Loading ...BTW not quite in the groove on discussing all the studies on masks right now or ever because it would require a lot of factors and there’s been quite a few including with Covid. One of the reasons was costs.
But since you took the time after reading on Easter this year and if there’s a way to not need masks at times I’m all for it cuz there not good for the ones wearing them either but none the less currently nonconclusive in a surgery theater.
The claim that wound infections increase by 100% to 200% when masks are worn in the operating theatre is not supported by scientific evidence. Multiple studies, including a Cochrane review and a systematic review from Monash Health, have shown no statistically significant difference in wound infection rates between groups where masks were worn and those where they were not.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
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Conflicting Evidence:Some studies suggest a small decrease in infection rates with mask use, while others show no difference or even a slightly increased risk, according to a systematic review from Monash Health.
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Cochrane Review:A Cochrane review, a reliable source of systematic reviews, concluded that there is no clear evidence that disposable face masks affect the likelihood of wound infections developing after surgery.
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Some studies, like a randomized study at a minor injury department, found no significant difference in postoperative wound infections when health personnel wore or did not wear surgical face masks.
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Other Factors:While masks may protect the operating team from certain infections, they have not been proven to protect the patient, according to one study published in PubMed.
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Limitations of Studies:Some studies included only clean surgeries, and the quality of the evidence was generally low.
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Potential Benefits:Masks can act as a physical barrier against blood and bodily fluid splashes, potentially benefiting the surgical team, according to a study in the journal PubMed Central.
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Alternative Strategies:Other strategies for infection control, such as strict adherence to hygiene protocols and proper ventilation, are more important for preventing surgical site infections.