Surgical Face Masks

Surgical face masks reduce the risk of surgical site infection. In a review, three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Each study looked at 2106 patients undergoing clean surgery. The studies included clinical heterogeneity, including differences in the study population, the time period between the initial study and the most recent study, and the diagnosis of the patients. In addition, differences were noted in air flow rates, the design of the operating theatre, and the number of scrubbed staff in the surgical field.

The effectiveness of surgical face masks has been under debate, however. Many studies have not been able to replicate results in a similar way. Despite this, national and international guidelines continue to recommend the use of surgical face masks. However, because of the lack of clinical trials, it is not safe to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of these surgical face masks.

Surgical face masks should be used with caution and should be replaced after use. If not, they may cause postoperative infections.