How effective are face masks in operation theatre? A time frame analysis and recommendations.

Personal protective equipment for surgeons during COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review of availability, usage and rationing

“…4 ). Protection using FFP2/3 respirators has been reported to last up to 8 h and current guidelines support sessional use in the care of multiple patients in red zones 50 , whereas protection has been reported to last 30 min for fluid‐repellent surgical masks 51 . It is important to note that masks alone are not the panacea, and need to be combined with correct fitting via fit tests, avoidance of face/mask touching, regular hand washing and social distancing to minimize transmission 13 .…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Workers Regarding the Use of Face Mask to Limit the Spread of the New Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

“…If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and discard it properly [7]. There is evidence that the HCWs have inadequate knowledge and poor practice regarding the use of surgical mask [9]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of HCWs in wearing a face mask particularly a standard surgical face mask to limit the spread of COVID-19.…”

An Incision Closure Bundle for Colorectal Surgery

“…Other personal protective equipment, including head covers, scrubs, and surgical masks, may not fully prevent bacteria‐laden aerosols, squamous skin cells, and hair from reaching the surgical site . A study of surgical face masks found that although the masks provided an effective barrier for bacterial dispersal from the surgical personnel at the beginning of an operation, they were “almost ineffective” after two hours of wear .…”

“…Other personal protective equipment, including head covers, scrubs, and surgical masks, may not fully prevent bacteria‐laden aerosols, squamous skin cells, and hair from reaching the surgical site . A study of surgical face masks found that although the masks provided an effective barrier for bacterial dispersal from the surgical personnel at the beginning of an operation, they were “almost ineffective” after two hours of wear . Using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis, researchers recovered strains of coagulase‐negative staphylococci and S aureus in air samples from the OR and linked these microorganisms to the operating team despite all staff members wearing surgical face masks .…”

“…23,37,38 A study of surgical face masks found that although the masks provided an effective barrier for bacterial dispersal from the surgical personnel at the beginning of an operation, they were "almost ineffective" after two hours of wear. 37 Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, researchers recovered strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci and S aureus in air samples from the OR and linked these microorganisms to the operating team despite all staff members wearing surgical face masks. 39 Similarly, evidence has shown that bacterial shedding can occur through surgical scrub attire.…”