A Comparison of Chlorhexidine-Alcohol and Povidone-Iodine-Alcohol on the Incidence of Surgical Site Infection
Adegbolahan Fakoya1, Adefemi Afolabi2, Omobolaji Ayandipo3
1Endocrine Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, NGA.
Background:
Surgical site infection (SSI) persists as a global challenge, accounting for 20%-25% of all healthcare-associated infections. The SSI rate has been reported to range from 2.5% to 41.9%. Skin preparation with acceptable antiseptic preparations has a high recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control as an SSI preventive measure.
Aim:
The aim was to compare the efficacy of 10% povidone-iodine in 70% isopropyl alcohol with 2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol in preventing SSI.
Method:
This prospective randomized study included patients who were followed up for 30 days looking for SSI. Swabs were taken from wounds that developed SSI. A culture of all swabs was done.
Result:
One hundred and fifty-three patients were recruited into the study. Overall, eight (5.23%) of the 153 patients developed SSI. The SSI rate in clean wounds was 2.6%, while the SSI rate in clean-contaminated wounds was 7.9%. No statistically significant difference was found (p=0.141) between the two groups.
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