Preoperative skin antiseptics for preventing surgical wound infections after clean surgery

Edwards et al., 2004 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Edwards P S, Lipp A, Holmes A. Preoperative skin antiseptics for preventing surgical wound infections after clean surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004(3):CD003949

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Approximately 15% of elective surgery patients and 30% of patients receiving contaminated or dirty surgery are estimated to develop post-operative wound infections. The costs of surgical wound infection can be considerable in financial as well as social terms. Preoperative skin antisepsis is performed to reduce the risk of post-operative wound infections by removing soil and transient organisms from the skin. Antiseptics are thought to be both toxic to bacteria and aid their mechanical removal. The effectiveness of preoperative skin preparation is thought to be dependent on both the antiseptic used and the method of application, however it is unclear whether preoperative skin antisepsis actually reduces post-operative wound infection and if so which antiseptic is most effective. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether preoperative skin antisepsis reduces post-operative surgical wound infection. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Trials Register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in April 2004. In addition we handsearched journals, conference proceedings and bibliographies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials evaluating the use of preoperative skin antiseptics applied immediately prior to incision in clean surgery. There were no restrictions based on language, date or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers independently undertook data extraction and assessment of study quality. Pooling was inappropriate and trials are discussed in a narrative review. MAIN RESULTS: We identified six eligible RCTs evaluating preoperative antiseptics. There was significant heterogeneity in the comparisons and the results could not be pooled. In one study, infection rates were significantly lower when skin was prepared using chlorhexidine compared with iodine. There was no evidence of a benefit in four trials associated with the use of iodophor impregnated drapes. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient research examining the effects of preoperative skin antiseptics to allow conclusions to be drawn regarding their effects on post-operative surgical wound infections. Further research is needed.

Key Findings

We identified six eligible RCTs evaluating preoperative antiseptics. There was significant heterogeneity in the comparisons and the results could not be pooled. In one study, infection rates were significantly lower when skin was prepared using chlorhexidine compared with iodine. There was no evidence of a benefit in four trials associated with the use of iodophor impregnated drapes. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient research examining the effects of preoperative skin antiseptics to

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Anti-Infective Agents, Local
• Humans
• Preoperative Care
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Surgical Wound Infection

Evidence Classification

• Level: Systematic Review
• Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
• Vertical: iodine

Provenance

• PMID: 15266508
• DOI: (not available)
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09