Surgeon and HIV exposure - facing the risk

Abstract

Many surgeons are concerned about acquiring the infection during medical procedures on HIV infected persons, although the average risk is very low. This article describes the first and the only one documented case of occupational HIV transmission in Europe concerning an Italian surgeon. The factors increasing the risk of contracting HIV infection are considered. Polish recommendations for post-exposure prophylaxis are presented. As the exposures to HIV among health care workers are not totally preventable, the necessity of knowledge of the exact procedures in cases of contact with potentially infected body fluids is pointed as a way to achieve a successful outcome.