ABSTRACT
Who is at increased risk of acquiring HIV infection? What is the mode of transmission of HIV? How can HIV be transmitted from patients to theatre personnel? What is the risk of transmission? What precautions should be taken when operating on a patient who is HIV positive? How would you minimize the risk of transmission? If in the event of exposure to contaminated body fluids or blood what steps would you undertake? What is the rationale for giving prophylactic medication? What surgical conditions are more common in HIV-positive patients? How long is the seroconversion process? What factors increase the risk of seroconversion after a needle-stick injury? What potential problems may arise from operating on HIV-positive individuals? Should patients undergoing surgery be routinely tested for HIV? Justify your answer.
