Does operating theatre humidity affect the risk of surgical site infection? A review of the literature from 2005 – 2025.

Humidity and temperature ranges for operating theatres are specified in several guidance documents. This rapid review, conducted following an operating theatre humidity deviation incident, examined the evidence underpinning these specifications and found that although intraoperative humidity is routinely regulated, its role in preventing surgical site infections (SSI) remains largely speculative. The limited and inconsistent evidence highlights the need for well-designed empirical studies to address this persistent gap in the literature.