[Occupational medicine aspects in general and abdominal surgery -- risk of infection attributable to needlestick injuries (what the surgeon should know)].

Needlestick, stab, scratch, and cut injuries are a common problem and a significant health hazard among healthcare workers. The aim of this review is to give an overview on the risk of infection in general, abdominal and vascular surgery and to suggest occupational safety measures. Furthermore, we want to discuss insurance-related aspects. If medical devices are contaminated with blood or other body fluids, there is a relevant risk of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The risk of transmission depends on the infection status of the patient, and on the immune status of the healthcare worker. In addition, the risk of infection is affected by the type and severity of injuries, by the quantity (volume) of blood, the time between injury and cleaning, and the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. Prevention measures are an important focus in occupational medicine. Comprehensive programmes to prevent injuries (usage of safety devices, surgical gloves, and of disposal containers) have to be continuously considered to minimize risk of infection of healthcare workers.