Change Gloves After Placenta at CS? Yes, and No.

Nov 24, 2025

A recent discussion tackles the controversial practice of changing surgical gloves after placental delivery during C-sections. While a November 2025 UK study supports this glove change to reduce surgical site infections, major U.S. organizations like ACOG and CDC do not recommend it. The episode dives into the discrepancy between international guidelines and U.S. practices, explores the rationale for glove changes, and emphasizes the need for further high-quality trials to validate claims. Clinicians are encouraged to consider a flexible approach based on local reviews.

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ADVICE

Consider Changing Or Rinsing Gloves

Do consider changing or rinsing gloves after placental delivery before closing the uterus or skin during C-section.
Dr. Chapa states this is low-risk, low-cost, and may reduce wound infections so it's reasonable to adopt locally.

ANECDOTE

Training Memory: Basin Rinse After Placenta

Dr. Chapa recounts training under a mentor who washed gloved hands in a basin after placental delivery.
That memorable practice influenced his openness to glove rinsing despite it being uncommon.

INSIGHT

Context Changes Cost-Effectiveness

International and NHS benchmarks for SSI are higher than typical U.S. rates, so cost-effectiveness models differ by setting.
Dr. Chapa highlights that a UK model used a 15% SSI rate which is higher than U.S. estimates and affects conclusions.

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Having data is sometimes different than having clinically applicable data. This is exactly the issue with the proposed plan to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) by changing surgical gloves after placental delivery at C-Section. Just 24 hours ago, we received the question from a PGY4 OBGYN resident asking whether the practice of changing surgical gloves at C-Section after placental delivery to reduce SSI was evidence-based. So, in this episode, we will review the data - which is timely since this was recently published on November 13, 2025 in the J Hospital Infection. This study follows a statement on this practice released by FIGO in September 2025. It’s an interesting proposal, and there is clearly data in support of this, yet the ACOG and CDC do not recommend this practice as of Nov 2025. Is there a disconnect? Listen in for details.

1. FIGO: https://www.figo.org/news/new-ijgo-review-provides-comprehensive-framework-preventing-post-caesarean-sepsis (International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics)

2. Stanberry B, Jordan L, Pullyblank A, Hargreaves J. Glove change during caesarean birth: impact on maternity service budgets and capacity. J Hosp Infect. 2025 Nov 13:S0195-6701(25)00354-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.033. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41241232.

3. Narice BF, Almeida JR, Farrell T, Madhuvrata P. Impact of Changing Gloves During Cesarean Section on Postoperative Infective Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2021;100(9):1581-1594. doi:10.1111/aogs.14161.

4. Routine Sterile Glove and Instrument Change at the Time of Abdominal Wound Closure to Prevent Surgical Site Infection (ChEETAh): A Pragmatic, Cluster-Randomised Trial in Seven Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries.

NIHR Global Research Health Unit on Global Surgery. Lancet (London, England). 2022;400(10365):1767-1776. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01884-0.

5. Gialdini C, Chamillard M, Diaz V, Pasquale J, Thangaratinam S, Abalos E, Torloni MR, Betran AP. Evidence-based surgical procedures to optimize caesarean outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews. EClinicalMedicine. 2024 May 19;72:102632. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102632. PMID: 38812964; PMCID: PMC11134562.