Aerosol generation during temporal bone surgery caries the risk of viral transmission. Steps to mitigate this problem are of particular importance during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

To quantify the effect of barrier draping on particulate material dispersion during temporal bone surgery.

The study involved a cadaveric model in a simulated operating theatre environment. Particle density and particle count for particles sized 1–10 μ were measured in a simulated operating theatre environment while drilling on a cadaveric temporal bone. The effect of barrier draping to decrease dispersion was recorded and analysed.

Barrier draping decreased counts of particles smaller than 5 μ by a factor of 80 in the operating theatre environment. Both particle density and particle count showed a statistically significant reduction with barrier draping (p = 0.027).

Simple barrier drapes were effective in decreasing particle density and particle count in the operating theatre model and can prevent infection in operating theatre personnel.

During otologic surgical procedures, there is often a dilemma when ensuring that hair is kept out of the surgical field. For a surgeon, the simplest and commonest technique is to liberally shave the head, but this can cause aesthetic concerns for the patient. Failure to keep the area hair-free can lead to a range of adverse surgical outcomes including wound infection and poor scar cosmesis. We describe a technique used in our department to effectively control hair during otologic surgical procedures, with no post-operative aesthetic concerns.

The use of re-usable or disposable surgical drapes with disposable skin staples can effectively exclude hair from the operative field throughout the procedure, without fear of the drapes slipping or losing adhesiveness.

The authors have obtained good results both during and after surgery, using this quick and easily learnt method, with no cases of long-term skin damage or scarring.

We find this to be an effective method of hair and skin preparation for otologic surgical procedures, and suggest it to fellow otorhinolaryngologists as a helpful alternative technique.