Intraoperative Aseptic Practices in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

The objectives of this thesis were to identify the intraoperative aseptic practices implemented in laparoscopic bariatric surgery by nursing personnel during wound closure and discharge of the sterile field, to identify similarities and dissimilarities between the intraoperative aseptic practices implemented in laparoscopic bariatric operations and the evidence-based recommendations for the nursing personnel during the wound closure and discharge of the sterile field and to produce co-created and updated evidence-based guidelines for maintenance of aseptic practices in laparoscopic bariatric surgery during the wound closure and discharge of the sterile field with nursing personnel. Evidence, though anecdotal, reveals that patients face high risk of post-surgical infections today after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Although intraoperative aseptic practices are required during surgery, information about their implementation in health centers is scarce. This information is necessary to identify and adapt new techniques that reduce associated risks. This study evaluated the intraoperative aseptic practices implemented in laparoscopic bariatric surgery during the wound closure and discharge of the sterile field at a university hospital in Finland. This is a qualitative study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with five nursing personnel having a working experience of above two years and who assist in laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures at a university hospital in Finland. A constructed evaluation tool comprised of twenty-six selected evidence-based guidelines and recommendations and a questionnaire were used to collect data. This was followed by descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis. The results show that the intraoperative aseptic practices commonly employed during wound closure and discharge of the sterile field include Aseptic Behaviors, Aseptic Techniques and Environmental services. Although medical personnel respected all recommended Aseptic Behavior, the surgery room ...