Vacuum-Assisted Clipper in Preoperative Hair Removal: Effects on Contamination and Skin Integrity

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a vacuum-assisted electric trimmer (VD-ETM) compared with a standard electric trimmer (ETM) for preoperative hair removal. The primary focus is to assess microbial and environmental contamination associated with each method, as well as their impact on surgical site infection (SSI), skin integrity, procedure duration, and patient-related outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention (VD-ETM) or control (ETM) group using block randomization via an online randomization tool. All procedures will be performed preoperatively in the operating room under standardized conditions to ensure consistency between groups. Data collection will include demographic and clinical characteristics, microbial contamination (measured as colony-forming units [CFU] from settle plates and skin swab samples), environmental contamination, skin irritation (assessed by visual inspection), and patient satisfaction (evaluated using a structured questionnaire). Swab samples will be collected before and after hair removal, and procedure duration will be recorded. All practitioners will receive standardized training. Surgical site infection (SSI) will be assessed prospectively on postoperative days 7 and 30 through clinical evaluation and, when necessary, structured telephone follow-up. This study is expected to provide evidence-based data to improve preoperative hair removal practices, enhance patient and staff safety, and support evidence-based nursing interventions in surgical care.

Inclusion criteria

• Male patients aged 18 years and older
• Scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery
• Require preoperative hair removal at the surgical site
• Classified as ASA I, ASA II, or ASA III
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Female patients
• Patients who do not require preoperative hair removal
• ASA IV or higher risk classification
• Presence of active skin lesions at the surgical site that may affect assessment (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis, open wounds, prominent scars, recent sunburn)
• Use of any of the following within the last 7 days:
• Antimicrobial soap, lotion, or shampoo
• Topical or systemic antibiotics
• Steroid therapy
• Exposure to biocide-containing pools or thermal/spa waters
• Severe immunosuppression (e.g., absolute neutropenia, high-dose steroid therapy)
• Requirement for emergency surgery
• Known allergy to any products or procedures used in the study