IS WEARING A N-95 MASK FOR LONG DURATIONS IN THE OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AND OPERATING THEATRE HARMFUL TO THE SURGEONS?

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, is a pandemic in progress! There is a general consensus that all health-care workers should wear N-95 masks and gloves for all patient interactions. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the physiological burdens on a surgeon of wearing N-95 masks throughout the day. Methods:We conducted an observational prospective study among 25 healthy orthopaedic surgeons at our centre. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO ) of the surgeons were measured using a vitals-parameter patient-anaesthetic monitor at the 2 start and end of the day on 3 consecutive days in two different scenarios; i.e., (a) Out-patient department (b) Operating theatre. Results:All the orthopaedic surgeons taking part in the study were males, with a mean age of 32.64 years. In both scenarios, there was an average increase of 4.74 mmHg in ETCO and this was found to be statistically signicant (p-value <0.001). However, we did not notice any clinical 2 manifestations of the same in either of the surgeons during the duration of the study. We were unable to establish any statistically signicant variations among the other vital parameters recorded during the study. Conclusion: This study recognized a signicant rise in ETCO2 (within normal limits) on using the N-95 masks, without any clinical manifestations. Therefore, usage of these masks during all patient-interactions should be continued, as there are no ill-effects with prolonged use throughout the day.