[Value of hand disinfection by rubbing with alcohol prior to surgery in a tropical setting]

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of hand disinfection by rubbing with alcohol in terms of prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) and cost in a tropical setting.

This prospective cohort study carried out in the Gynecology Obstetrics Department of the Yopougon University Teaching Hospital from May to September 2005 was designed to compare two different methods of hand disinfection, i.e., traditional 3-step hand scrubbing using an antiseptic preparation versus handwashing without an antiseptic preparation followed by two applications of an aqueous alcohol solution.

The study population included 318 patients who underwent surgery during the study period. The SSI rate was 13.2% in patients operated on after traditional hand scrubbing and 11.5% after handwashing followed by rubbing with alcohol (not significantly different). Hand disinfection by rubbing with alcohol did not increase the risk of SSI and was considered as easier than traditional hand scrubbing by 90% of users. Skin tolerance was deemed good by 52% of users. Most users (69%) wished both hand disinfection methods to be available. Hand disinfection by rubbing with alcohol was much more cost-effective than traditional hand scrubbing both with regard to initial investment and to consumable costs (50% lower).

This study shows that hand disinfection by rubbing with an alcoholic solution is not only as effective as traditional hand scrubbing for prevention of SSI but also more cost-effective. These findings indicate that rubbing with alcohol is a suitable alternative to traditional scrubbing for hand disinfection prior to surgery in our tropical setting.