A Survey among Plastic Surgeons Wearing a Mask in Operating Room

Abstract

BACKGROUND Face mask is considered to be an integral part of a surgeon's dress in operating room. The following study was carried out among the plastic surgeons to know their views about the wearing the face masks in operating room (OR). METHODS A questionnaire was developed and was sent to the 2 groups of plastic surgeons which included 8 questions. Group A consisted of 100 plastic surgeons from the subcontinent. Group B consisted of 100 plastic surgeons of USA and European origins. The questionnaires were sent by emails and the data was analyzed. The questionnaire was consisted of 8 questions. RESULTS About 93% of the plastic surgeons in group A wore the mask and 86% in group B. About 96% of plastic surgeon in group A and 99% in group B used disposable masks and only 4% in group A and 1% in group B used re-usable/washable face masks. About 59% in group A and 63% in group B covered the nose. Botox and filler injections were the commonest procedures in which the surgeons opted to perform without face mask (74% in group A and 68% in group B), followed by liposuction (41% in group A and 34% in group B). The majority in both groups believed that face mask decreases the surgical site infection. CONCLUSION Most of the plastic surgeons wore the face masks in the OR. Care must be taken to ensure that properly designed studies that determine if surgical masks prevent post-operative wound infection.