Preoperative Skin Testing of Materials Used in Surgical Procedures

Abstract

Postoperative skin complications increase health care costs and cause patient suffering. In the OR, patients are exposed to materials with adhesive substances that have the potential to cause allergic or toxic effects on the skin. Intraoperatively and postoperatively, these reactions can result in skin complications. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of skin reactions in connection with the application of different materials. Skin reactions after preoperative skin testing occurred in 3% to 50% of patients with atopic or contact eczema, allergy, or asthma in their medical history.

Swedish Patients' Perceptions of a Preoperative Skin Test

“…To achieve this objective, a strategic selection of 14 participants was made from preexisting research material that included 101 patients from the western part of Sweden who had allergies, asthma, or eczema and who underwent a preoperative skin test. The purpose of the previous study was to investigate how frequently skin reactions occur after application or use of different materials in connection with surgery 4 . The selection of participants for the current study was made on the basis of age, gender, marital status, education, previous surgical experience, symptoms of hypersensitivity, reaction to a preoperative skin test, the type of procedure the patient underwent, and the time that had elapsed since the skin test was performed.…”

“…Postoperative wound and skin complications constitute a major medical and economic problem 3 . During surgical procedures, patients come in contact with a number of substances that can cause an allergy or skin irritation 4 , 5 . Some materials (eg, surgical drapes, electrodes, tape, wound dressings) use adhesive substances that are applied directly to patients' skin.…”

“…In a previous study, a preoperative skin test was developed to minimize the risk of inappropriate materials being applied to a patient's skin and, thus, reduce the potential for postoperative complications. The test was performed on patients with allergies, asthma, or eczema to determine what substances might cause intraoperative skin reactions 4 . Patients who underwent a skin test were told why the test was necessary, how it would be performed, the benefits it would provide intraoperatively and postoperatively, and the risks involved 4 …”

“…A number of products containing an adhesive substance often used in an operating department were tested on the patients (Figure 1). The results of the study showed that 3% to 50% of patients experienced reactions, including reddening, itching, or development of rashes or blisters 4 . To ensure nursing quality in regard to this skin test, however, patients' attitudes must be considered.…”

“…To achieve high applicability, a varied selection of participants was made on the basis of age, gender, marital status, education, previous experience of surgery, symptoms of hypersensitivity, reaction to a preoperative skin test, type of surgery, and time elapsed since the skin test 42 . More women than men were included in the study, which can be attributed to the gender distribution in the original research material (ie, 79 women, 22 men) 4 …”