Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a major source of morbidity and mortality among surgical patients (Swenson et al 2009). The most common source of SSIs is the patient's own skin flora (Zinn et al 2010). A literature review was performed on the impact of the different intraoperative skin preparation solutions in reducing the risk of SSIs, concluding that 2% chlorhexidine in spirit is the most effective.
AdamsD, QuayumM, WorthingtonT2005Evaluation of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol skin disinfectantJournal of Hospital Infection61287–90
2.
BerryA, WattB, GoldacreM1982A comparison of the use of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine in the prophylaxis of postoperative wound infectionJournal of Hospital Infection3(1) 55–63
DarouicheR, WallM, ItaniK2010Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for surgical site antisepsisNew England Journal of Medicine362(1) 18–26
5.
Department of Health2011High impact intervention: Care bundle to prevent surgical infection Available from: hcai.dh.gov.uk/files/2011/03/2011-03-14-HII-Prevent-Surgical-Site-infection-FINAL.pdf [Accessed November 2012]
6.
EdminstonCJr., SeabrookG, JohnsonC2007Comparative of a new and innovative 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloth with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate as topical antiseptic for preparation of the skin prior to surgeryAmerican Journal of Infection Control35(2) 89–96
7.
EdwardsP, LippA, HolmesA2009Preoperative skin antisepsis for preventing surgical wound infections after clean surgery (Review)The Cochrane Library, Oxford, John Wiley & Sons Ltd
8.
FergusonAW, ScottJA, McGaviganJ2003Comparison of 5% povidone-iodine solution against 1% povidone-iodine solution in preoperative cataract surgery antisepsis: a prospective randomised double blind studyBritish Journal of Ophthalmology87163–7
9.
HamillB, OsatoM, WilhelmusK1984Experimental evaluation of chlorhexidine gluconate for ocular antisepsisAntimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy26(6) 793–6
10.
HopperW, MossR2010Common breaks in sterile technique: Clinical perspectives and perioperative implicationsAORN Journal91(3) 350–64
11.
KehindeE, JamalW, AliY2009Comparative efficacy of two methods of skin preparation of the perineal and genital skin of male urological patientsKuwait Medical Journal41(2) 103–7
12.
LeeI, AgarwalR, LeeB2010Systematic review and cost analysis comparing use of chlorhexidine with use of iodine for preoperative skin antisepsis to prevent surgical site infectionInfection Control & Hospital Epidemiology31(12) 1219–29
13.
LevinI, Amer-AlshiekJ, AvniA2011Chlorhexidine and alcohol versus povidone-iodine for antisepsis in gynecological surgeryJournal of Women's Health20(3) 1–4
14.
OstranderR, BotteM, BrageM2005Efficacy of surgical preparation solutions in foot and ankle surgeryJournal of Bone & Joint Surgery87(5) 980–5
15.
SaltzmanM, NuberG, GryzloS2009Efficacy of surgical preparation solutions in shoulder surgeryJournal of Bone & Joint Surgery91(8) 1949–53
16.
SegalC, AndersonJ2002Preoperative skin preparation of cardiac patientsAORN Journal76(5) 821–8
17.
StinnerD, KruegerC, MasiniB, WenkeJ2011Time-dependent effect of chlorhexidine skin prepJournal of Hospital Infection79313–6
18.
SwensonB, HedrickT, MetzgerR2009Effects of preoperative skin preparation on postoperative wound infection rates: A prospective study of 3 skin preparation protocolsInfection Control & Hospital Epidemiology30(10) 964–71
19.
VeigaD, DamascenoC, Veiga-FilhoJ2008Povidone iodine versus chlorhexidine in skin antisepsis before elective plastic surgery procedures: A randomized controlled trialPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery122(5) 170–1
20.
ZinnJ, JenkinsJ, SwoffordV, HarrelsonM, McCarterS2010Intraoperative patient skin prep agents: Is there a difference?AORN Journal92(6) 662–74