Patel Jay J, Fine Keenan S, O'Shea Aidan W, Wirth Peter J, Shaffrey Ellen C, Attaluri Pradeep K, Rao Venkat K
From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI.
Ann Surg Open. 2025 Aug 4;6(3):e600. doi: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000600. eCollection 2025 Sep.
Surgical gloves are a staple in every surgeon's daily routine, yet their full lifecycle is not always well understood. This paper outlines the journey of a surgical glove from manufacturing to disposal, with particular emphasis on clinically relevant properties such as durability, perforation rates, and allergy risk. It begins with a review of the historical context of sterile surgical gloves, followed by a detailed overview of the manufacturing process and the materials used, including latex and various synthetic alternatives. These various materials may differ in barrier protection, fit, tactile sensitivity, and allergenic potential. Data presented here suggests that synthetic alternatives to latex, while hypoallergenic, may be more prone to microperforations or decreased dexterity. The logistics of glove sourcing and inventory management are also examined, providing insights to help surgical teams and hospital administrators prepare for supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, best practices for glove disposal and the environmental impact of surgical gloves are explored. By examining the clinical and logistical aspects of glove use, this article offers insights to optimize surgical safety, resource management, and sustainability.
手术手套是每位外科医生日常工作中的必备物品，但人们对其完整的生命周期并不总是完全了解。本文概述了手术手套从生产到处置的全过程，特别强调了与临床相关的特性，如耐用性、穿孔率和过敏风险。文章首先回顾了无菌手术手套的历史背景，接着详细介绍了制造过程和所使用的材料，包括乳胶和各种合成替代品。这些不同的材料在屏障保护、贴合度、触觉敏感度和致敏潜力方面可能存在差异。此处呈现的数据表明，乳胶的合成替代品虽然低致敏，但可能更容易出现微穿孔或灵活性降低的情况。文章还研究了手套采购和库存管理的物流情况，为外科团队和医院管理人员应对供应链中断（如在新冠疫情期间所经历的情况）提供了见解。最后，探讨了手套处置的最佳做法以及手术手套对环境的影响。通过审视手套使用的临床和物流方面，本文提供了优化手术安全、资源管理和可持续性的见解。
