Safe Handling of Mitomycin in the Perioperative Setting

Abstract

Surgical intervention for glaucoma is slowly becoming more common. When a trabeculectomy is the surgical approach, Mitomycin-C, an antineoplastic agent, is often used to prevent surgical scarring. Standardization of safe handling practices for intraoperative staff preparing Mitomycin for the procedure is crucial for ensuring staff safety, and that the patient receives the correct dosage of the medication. In this study, practices for staff education on the safe handling/mixing of Mitomycin-C, disposal of the medication after each procedure, and staffing assignments were reviewed, and practice changes implemented via multiple process improvement cycles.