Single versus double-gloving for obstetric and gynecologic procedures

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the relative frequency of glove perforations in double-glove versus single-glove sets.

Study design: In this prospective cohort study, surgeons single or double-gloved for pelvic surgery procedures at their own discretion. Gloves were collected at the end of each procedure and evaluated for perforations.

Results: We tested 1000 sets of gloves: 675 double-glove sets and 325 single-glove sets. The highest rate of perforation (19%) occurred during major gynecologic procedures. Surgical nurses were the most likely member of the surgical team to sustain a glove injury. There was no significant difference in the total perforation rate between double and single glove sets (10% vs 11%). However, there was a significantly greater potential for blood-skin exposure in the single glove sets. Eleven percent of single glove sets contained a perforation, whereas only 2% of double glove sets contained a corresponding defect in the inner and outer gloves (P < .01).

Conclusion: Surgeons should double-glove for all pelvic surgery procedures.