The WHO advises not to shave operations before

Infections during surgery are still a danger. Lack of hygiene is the main reason for this. But it's not just about reducing the germs in clinics, but also preventing them from getting into the body.

wound infections
The history of surgery teaches that postoperative wound infections must be avoided as much as possible. Such inflammation can delay wound healing, prolong the length of hospital stay and cause additional pain.

When shaving, the smallest wounds are created, through which pathogens can penetrate the skin (dplett / fotolia.com)

Until death
When viruses and bacteria were unknown and doctors did not know how important hygiene was, infected wounds resulted in amputations or even led to death.

Shaving wounds as input for pathogens
The WHO recommends that patients be showered before surgery, not shave. Shaving causes small wounds in the skin that allow viruses and bacteria to invade the body.

Significant risk
The postoperative risk of wound infection increases immensely, if shaving before surgery results in skin injuries. About the smallest wounds in the skin, as it causes each man in the morning shaving, microorganisms can contaminate the surgical area.

Electric hair clipper
Surgeons who do not want to do without shaving recommend an electric hair clipper, as it causes less injury than a wet shave.

Rules for shaving
Doctors follow the following rules:

1. In case of unclear abdominal surgery, remove a lot of hair, as the surgical area may increase unintentionally.

2. When performing cranial surgery, keep the shaving surface as small as possible, and do not shave the covering hair if possible.

3. Do not shave off eyebrows.

4. Always shave in the direction of hair growth.

5. Pay attention to skin irregularities (eg pimples).

6. Just pull wrinkled skin.

7. Shave hair under narcosis if the shave causes pain

of measures
The scientific journal "The Lancet Infectious Diseases" published a WHO catalog of 29 measures to reduce hospital infections.

Doctors should comply with the new guidelines
The WHO advises patients to ask their doctor if he is following the new WHO rules and asking him to comply with them. This includes not shaving before surgery. (Dr. Utz Anhalt)