Surgical masks are designed to protect patients from postoperative infections caused by a wide range of pathogens. However, they should also protect medical staff. One study found that wearing surgical masks reduced the incidence of COVID-19 among older adults. In addition, the study showed that the use of surgical facemasks was cost-effective. This is an important consideration as most masks sold in the U.S. have not gone through the FDA approval process.
While this research shows that facemasks significantly reduce exposure to some risks, it fails to provide a clear evidence-based recommendation for their use. While advocates argue that facemasks can effectively protect patients during surgery, preliminary research suggests that facemasks may not be an effective form of protection against infectious disease. In addition, surgeons may not report facemask splashes as occupational exposure, further complicating the issue.
The safety of Surgical Masks (OP Masken)is also questionable. Despite the widespread use of surgical facemasks, the costs of such infections are very low. Nevertheless, the National Health Service has found that a surgical mask can reduce the risk of infections by about 30%, which is a small amount compared to the costs of hospital acquired infection. Moreover, the use of facemasks may lead to a reduction in the incidence of hospital-acquired diseases because of a decrease in the number of cases of infections.
Despite their widespread use, there is still uncertainty over the effectiveness of surgical masks in preventing infections. In fact, the costs of hospital-acquired infections due to the use of surgical facemasks are far lower than the cost of preventing surgical site infection. While facemasks protect theatre personnel from macroscopic facial contamination, they fail to protect surgeons from microscopic infectious agents. These microscopic agents are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
The use of surgical masks has been used in the operating theatre for over 100 years. Originally, the facemask consisted of a single layer of gauze covering the mouth and nose. The findings revealed that people using facemasks were 11% less likely to contract COVID-19 infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This protective effect was even greater in older patients. The CDC and other organizations have a role in encouraging the use of surgical masks.
Although facemasks protect surgeons from microscopic contaminants, their effectiveness in preventing surgical site infection is controversial. The National Health Service has spent almost a third of its annual budget on facemasks, and these facemasks are still not 100% effective in preventing infection. Hence, the public’s response to facemasks is critical in forming the proper opinion about the masks. Several forums and blogs discuss the benefits and drawbacks of surgical masks.
Surgical masks are normally fastened to the head with straps or elastic bands. The straps are tied in two pairs, horizontally around the back of the head. They can be adjusted to fit the face of the wearer. The elastic bands are attached in two loops on the front and back of the face. The straps can be adjusted to the shape of the face. It is necessary to consider the size and shape of the face of the patient during the operation.
