What about the surgeon?

The safety of the patient and its importance in a surgical setting is well recognised. However, in the literature far less emphasis is placed upon the safety of the surgeon and his/her team. This review discusses the risks to which a surgeon is exposed, including blood-borne pathogens, radiation exposure, biomechanical stresses and fatigue, and the adverse effects of diathermy fumes. Strategies addressing these risks are presented and recommendations to improve surgical team safety are offered.