Comparison Of Intraoperative Wound Irrigation With Aqueous Povidone-Iodine Solution To Normal Saline In Preventing...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Infections
• Wound Management
• Antiseptic Solutions

Background:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common post-operative complications, often caused by bacterial pathogens.
• Intra-operative wound irrigation is a key strategy to minimize SSI rates.
• This study focuses on comparing normal saline and aqueous povidone-iodine for irrigating contaminated and dirty wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of normal saline versus aqueous povidone-iodine irrigation in preventing surgical site infections.
• To evaluate infection rates in contaminated and dirty wounds following different irrigation protocols.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 180 patients undergoing surgery.
• Patients were divided into two groups: normal saline irrigation (Group A) and aqueous povidone-iodine irrigation (Group B) before wound closure.
• Follow-up was conducted for 30 days post-operatively to assess for SSIs.

Main Results:

• A total of 180 patients were analyzed, with 90 in each group.
• Surgical site infection occurred in 32.2% of patients in the normal saline group and 28.8% in the povidone-iodine group.
• No statistically significant difference in SSI rates was observed between the two irrigation solutions (p=0.627).

Conclusions:

• Aqueous povidone-iodine irrigation is statistically similar to normal saline in preventing surgical site infections.
• Both irrigation solutions are equally effective for contaminated and dirty wounds when used before primary closure.