Preoperative whole body disinfection--a controlled clinical study

Area of Science:

• Infection control in surgical settings
• Antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine
• Healthcare economics and patient outcomes

Background:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication in clean surgery.
• Preoperative skin preparation is crucial for preventing SSIs.
• Chlorhexidine gluconate is a widely used antiseptic agent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative whole body washing with chlorhexidine scrub versus plain soap in preventing SSIs.
• To assess the impact on Staphylococcus aureus infections.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of chlorhexidine use.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 2015 patients undergoing clean surgery.
• Patients were randomized to receive preoperative whole body washing with either chlorhexidine scrub or plain soap (control/placebo).
• Wound infection rates and specific pathogen incidence were monitored.

Main Results:

• The overall infection rate was significantly lower in the chlorhexidine group (9%) compared to the control/placebo groups (12.8% and 11.7%).
• Chlorhexidine use resulted in a 3% reduction in SSIs.
• Staphylococcus aureus infections decreased from 6% with bar soap to 3% with chlorhexidine.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative whole body washing with chlorhexidine scrub is effective in reducing SSIs in clean surgery.
• Chlorhexidine demonstrates superior efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus compared to plain soap.
• Preventing SSIs through chlorhexidine use leads to significant cost savings due to reduced bed occupancy.