This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a vacuum-assisted electric trimmer (VD-ETM) compared with a standard electric trimmer (ETM) for preoperative hair removal. The study will assess microbial and environmental contamination, surgical site infection (SSI), procedure duration, skin integrity, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. Preoperative hair removal is a critical step in preventing SSI; however, conventional ETM devices may contribute to environmental contamination due to dispersed hair particles. VD-ETM systems are designed to reduce this risk by simultaneously removing hair and capturing particles. This study will provide evidence on whether VD-ETM improves operating room hygiene and patient outcomes.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a vacuum-assisted electric trimmer (VD-ETM) compared with a standard electric trimmer (ETM) for preoperative hair removal. The primary focus is to assess microbial and environmental contamination associated with each method, as well as their impact on surgical site infection (SSI), skin integrity, procedure duration, and patient-related outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention (VD-ETM) or control (ETM) group using block randomization via an online randomization tool. All procedures will be performed preoperatively in the operating room under standardized conditions to ensure consistency between groups. Data collection will include demographic and clinical characteristics, microbial contamination (measured as colony-forming units [CFU] from settle plates and skin swab samples), environmental contamination, skin irritation (assessed by visual inspection), and patient satisfaction (evaluated using a structured questionnaire). Swab samples will be collected before and after hair removal, and procedure duration will be recorded. All practitioners will receive standardized training. Surgical site infection (SSI) will be assessed prospectively on postoperative days 7 and 30 through clinical evaluation and, when necessary, structured telephone follow-up. This study is expected to provide evidence-based data to improve preoperative hair removal practices, enhance patient and staff safety, and support evidence-based nursing interventions in surgical care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male patients aged 18 years and older
• Scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery
• Require preoperative hair removal at the surgical site
• Classified as ASA I, ASA II, or ASA III
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female patients
• Patients who do not require preoperative hair removal
• ASA IV or higher risk classification
• Presence of active skin lesions at the surgical site that may affect assessment (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis, open wounds, prominent scars, recent sunburn)
• Use of any of the following within the last 7 days:
• Antimicrobial soap, lotion, or shampoo
• Topical or systemic antibiotics
• Steroid therapy
• Exposure to biocide-containing pools or thermal/spa waters
• Severe immunosuppression (e.g., absolute neutropenia, high-dose steroid therapy)
• Requirement for emergency surgery
• Known allergy to any products or procedures used in the study

Only male patients will be included in this study because preoperative hair removal at the surgical site is more commonly required and routinely performed in male patients due to higher hair density and distribution. Including only male participants ensures standardization of the intervention, reduces variability related to hair characteristics, and allows for more accurate comparison of the two hair removal methods (VD-ETM vs. standard ETM).

Due to the nature of the intervention, participants and intervention providers cannot be blinded. However, the statistician performing the data analysis will remain blinded to group allocation. Data will be coded, and the statistician will analyze the outcomes without knowledge of whether participants belong to the intervention or control group.