Risks to surgeons: A comparison of blunt and sharp tipped suture needles

Summary

Blunt taper-point suture needles have been designed to reduce the risks to surgeons from blood borne infections. The use of ordinary sharp pointed suture needles was compared in this study with that of blunt taper-point needles during emergency and elective obstetric and gynaecological surgery. Data from 341 operations performed by 12 senior and middle grade staff were collected. Risk of infection was assessed by recording the incidence of needle stick injury, gross blood contamination and glove puncture. The rates of needle stick injury and glove puncture were lower with taper-point needles and their use may be expected to reduce the risk of acquiring hepatitis B or HIV infection from patients.