Data Analysis (Comparison—Mask versus No mask) No. of Studies n = 3

Study or Subgroup and outcome

Main Results

Odds Ratio (OR = M-H Fixed 95%, Confidence Interval = CI)

Findings

[26]

Wound infection

Mask group 10.5%

No mask group 9.1% No statistically significant difference in SSI rate.

OR = 1.17, CI = 0.70 to 1.97

Findings from the study indicate no decrease in wound infection whether or not non scrubbed staff wore surgical face mask during clean surgery.

[17]

Wound infection

2 trials with disparate results

1) Mask group 4.7%, No mask 3.5%. No statistically significant difference. OR = 1.30 CI = 0.05 to 1.01.

2) Mask group 0%, No mask 30%. Significant decrease in SSI rate.

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of face mask use during clean surgery in the operating room is inconclusive. It is difficult to alter current clinical practice based on the findings from this study.

[3]

Wound infection

3 trials with no statistically significant difference in SSI.

1) OR = 1.34, CI = 0.58 to 3.07

2) OR = 0.07, CI = 0.00 to 1.63

3) OR = 1.17, CI = 0.70 to 1.97

From the limited results, it is unclear whether wearing surgical face mask increases or decreases SSI rate in patients undergoing clean surgery. They recommend further research.

Total (95% CI)

Mask = 2055, No mask 2140.

Weight = 100.0%, OR = 075, CI = 0.56 - 0.99