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Updated: Sep 29, 2025

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Economic evaluation of pre-operative shower with antiseptic soap to prevent surgical site infections
J Ory1, F Bruyere2, M Massetti3
1Department of Infection Control, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France; Virulence Bactérienne et Maladies Infectieuses, INSERM U1047, Montpellier-Nîmes University, France.
Background:
A pre-operative shower is recommended before surgery to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs).
Methods:
We modelled the occurrence of SSIs and the potential savings for patients undergoing an antimicrobial soap (AS) shower prior to surgery at a French University Hospital level.
Results:
AS shower prevented 209 SSIs, generating a potential saving of €632,210 per year. Results grouped by type of surgery showed annual savings of €26,537, €20,520 and €14,377 for orthopaedic, gynaecologic and obstetric, and digestive surgery, respectively.
Conclusions:
Despite the lack of published data surrounding the efficacy of AS in preventing SSIs, we demonstrated the potential savings and benefits of generalizing AS before surgical interventions.
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