J Audiol Otol.  2018 Jul;22(3):160-166. 10.7874/jao.2018.00101.

Nonshaved Ear Surgery: Effect of Hair on Surgical Site Infection of the Middle Ear/Mastoid Surgery and Patients' Preference for the Hair Removal

• Lee DH
• Yoo S
• Shin E
• Cho Y

• KMID: 2418921
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2018.00101

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
This study aimed 1) to compare the rates of surgical site infection (SSI) between two groups with and without preoperative hair shaving, 2) to compare the bacterial colonization just before the skin incision between them, and 3) to evaluate people's preference for the hair shaving.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The retrospective study enrolled cases in which middle ear and mastoid surgery was performed with as well as without hair removal. Main measurement outcomes were the SSI rate within 3 months following the surgery, bacterial culture results obtained from the incision area just before the skin incision, and questionnaire to evaluate the preference for hair shaving from patients with chronic suppurative otitis media but without experience with the ear surgery.
RESULTS
This study did not show any difference in the rates of SSI and bacterial colonization between two groups with and without preoperative hair shaving. Most patients without experience with the ear surgery chose the nonshaved ear surgery, even though the questionnaire presented a comment as follow; "Your hair will always grow back as the growth speed of about 1.25 cm per month."
CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence showing that preoperative shaving of the surgical site is helpful for the SSI than no hair removal. Nonshaved middle ear and mastoid surgery via postauricular approach appears to be preferable. Contrary to doctors' popular belief, the hair shaving can cause psychological discomfort, especially for women. Now is the time to keep the balance between the professional's perspective and the patients' preferences.

Keyword

Otologic surgical procedures; Hair removal; Preoperative care; Surgical wound infection

MeSH Terms

Colon
Ear*
Ear, Middle
Female
Hair Removal*
Hair*
Humans
Mastoid
Otitis Media, Suppurative
Otologic Surgical Procedures
Preoperative Care
Retrospective Studies
Skin
Surgical Wound Infection*