Researchers from the University of Leeds in England and the University of Bern in Switzerland reviewed 17 existing studies to assess the efficacy of five antiseptics used in 14,593 surgeries. The original studies were conducted in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia and neighboring islands, and included a broad range of surgeries on adults.
Researchers found alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate cut the risk of surgical infection in half for “clean” surgeries compared to the more commonly used antiseptic, povidone-iodine. Clean surgeries are defined as those outside the respiratory, urogenital and digestive system in which there are no signs of inflammation or infection and sterile technique is maintained the whole time.
“Even though the risk of infection in these types of surgery is low (about 3 percent), anything we can change to reduce this risk is very important,” lead author Dr. Ryckie Wade, a clinical research fellow at Leeds’ School of Medicine, said in a news release. “Our findings suggest that the number of infections may be halved if surgeons used a different skin cleaning agent before surgery.”
To view the full study, click here.
More articles on infection control:
Online schooling dulls push for childhood vaccinations
Michigan NP sentenced to probation for reusing rectal devices on patients, fraud
How Brigham and Women’s treated 9,000 patients with minimal coronavirus transmission
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
