Evidence-based Skin Antisepsis for Urologic Surgery: A Narrative Review
Niccola B Lynch1, Gina M Badalato1
1Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.
Urology
|July 27, 2025
Summary
Preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) is crucial. This review evaluates evidence for optimal pre-operative skin antisepsis in urologic surgery to reduce SSIs and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Surgical Safety
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) affect 2%-4% of US surgeries annually.
- SSIs increase patient morbidity and mortality.
- Effective pre-operative skin antisepsis is vital for SSI reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major antiseptic skin agents for urologic surgery.
- To evaluate evidence for optimal surgical antisepsis practices.
- To cover abdominal, transurethral, transvaginal, and prosthetic urologic surgeries.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of scientific literature.
- Evaluation of evidence for antiseptic efficacy.
- Focus on urologic surgical procedures.
Main Results:
- Antiseptic selection impacts SSI rates.
- Evidence supports specific agents for different urologic procedures.
- Optimal practices vary by surgical approach.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing pre-operative skin antisepsis is key to reducing SSIs in urologic surgery.
- Evidence-based practices improve patient safety and outcomes.
- Further research may refine agent selection for specific procedures.
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