Role of Body Exhaust System in Reducing Peri-Prosthetic Joint Infection, Literature Review

Context There is a need to determine if body exhaust suits which were initially used and recommended by Sir John Charnley has a role in minimizing bacterial shedding in the operating room. Evidence Acquisition The English literature search conducted for relevant articles. 14 articles were relevant to the role of body exhaust system in total joint replacement. Results There is controversial evidences regarding the role of body exhaust system in reducing pei-prosthetic joint infection but most evidences agree that its role in protecting operating room personnel could not be denied. Conclusions There is not enough evidence to indicate that use of body exhaust suits could reduce risk of infection, however there are some evidences showing increased protection of surgical team by using body exhaust system.