Why Clippers?

Research indicates that during the process of shaving, the skin may experience microscopic cuts and abrasions that can allow microorganisms to contaminate the surgical wound

Research indicates that during the process of shaving, the skin may experience microscopic cuts and abrasions that can allow microorganisms to contaminate the surgical wound causing post-operative infections¹. These injuries do not occur with clipping, and the evidence showing that clipping reduces infection rates is well documented.

Sellick et al² found that using a clipper was associated with decreased risks of deep wound infection compared to razor preparation. Ko et al³ concluded that electrical clipping is superior to manual shaving in the prevention of suppurative mediastinitis.

NICE guidelines (2008) also recommend clipping rather than shaving as a pre-op hair removal method to reduce the risk of surgical site infection⁴. A NICE study on cost effectiveness of hair removal concluded that despite shaving using razors being one of the less costly options for hair removal, once the cost of treating SSI was included, this option became the most expensive and the use of clippers was found to be the most cost-effective option4.

NICE recommends the use of surgical clippers with single-use blades where hair removal is required, and states that razors should not be used because they increase the risk of surgical site infection4.

Because every customer’s needs are different, 3M offers a range of clipper solutions, each with benefits to meet specific performance needs and preferences, from the unique pivoting head with specialist blades, to the essentials clipper for the budget minded buyer.

To discover the full range of 3M™ Clipper Solutions available, explore the Clinical Evidence, and try our Savings Calculator for switching from razors to clippers, visit our website at www.3m.co.uk/clipper.

References:
¹ Briggs M. “Principles of closed surgical wound care”, Journal of Wound Care, 1997; 6(6):288–92 as cited in Tanner J, Woodings D, Moncaster K. “Preoperative hair removal to reduce surgical site infection”, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004122. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004122.pub3.
² Sellick, JA Jr. et al, “Surveillance of surgical wound infections following open heart surgery”, Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 1991; 12:591-596
³ Ko, Wilson et al, “Effects of Shaving Methods and Intraoperative Irrigation on Supparative Mediastinitis After Bypass Operations”, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, 1992; 53:301-305
⁴ NICE Clinical Guideline 74, Surgical Site Infections: Prevention and treatment of surgical site infection, Issued October 2008. Section 5.2 Hair Removal, Appendix D Cost-effectiveness of hair removal

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