Investigations of the Mechanisms of Infection in Ultra Clean Air Operating Theatres

Description

The lecture delivered by Andrew Thomas, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons, reflects on the historical and contemporary practices in surgery, particularly focusing on the influence of air quality in operating theaters on infection rates. Andrew begins by acknowledging his colleagues, the contributions of past scientists like John Hunter and Edward Jenner, and their trials against public skepticism regarding surgical practices.



He delves deeply into the impact of ultra clean air and its relationship with infection rates, aided by historical data from John Charnley and modern studies that demonstrate the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining sterile environments. Andrew emphasizes the significance of rigorous microbiological monitoring in theaters, revealing alarming statistics about the lack of standards in the NHS compared to other sectors like pharmaceuticals.



Through a series of experiments involving airflow dynamics, surgical clothing, and innovative designs for instrument trolleys, he showcases how even slight modifications can substantially improve infection control. He presents findings from advanced studies using anemometers and computational fluid dynamics, illustrating how surgical practices could be transformed by integrating scientific understanding and modern technology. In conclusion, Andrew advocates for continuous air quality monitoring and innovative equipment modifications to enhance the safety and outcomes of surgical procedures, ultimately aiming to reduce deep infection rates.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221378

Specialties