[Ventilation method plan in daily operations--a practical study].

Abstract

On three days each we measured particles and airborne bacteria in ten ventilated operating theatres. Modern air conditioning systems achieved a significant reduction of air-pollution. Vertical systems proved to be more effective than horizontal systems. Workday conditions made several problems: During high personal activity a body exhaust system was not able to reduce the concentration of airborne bacteria; doors near the operating table and objects in the airstream had a negative effect; there was more personal than necessary in the operating theatres; some activities took place without a specific purpose and resulted in raised particle and bacteria contamination; early clearing of materials, before the operation ended, increased turbulences and door movements. A short break in personal activity before the first skin cut is recommended to reduce high air contamination due to the preparation of the operating room and the patient. One of the ventilation systems was insufficiently operated by personal. We recommend continuous measurement of particles near the operating field in order to control the input of airborne particles and bacteria into the wound.