Perineovulvovaginal preoperative preparation in minor gynecological surgery

Fifty consecutive patients underwent minor elective gynecologic surgery. Most of them were from the low socioeconomic class. Twenty-five patients had their pubic, vulval and perineal hair shaved as part of the preoperative preparation. All patients underwent the same routine perineal, vulval and vaginal swabbing in the operating room. All patients were then examined for postoperative complications. Only two women (who were shaved) complained of mild lower abdominal pain 48 hours after operation, but neither had any clinical evidence of genital or urinary infection. Their symptoms disappeared with the use of analgesics. Even in developing countries where patients with poor personal hygiene are common, preoperative vulval, pubic and perineal hair shaving prior to minor gynecologic surgery is unnecessary. We suggest that this procedure should be discontinued.