PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Josie Chundamala AU - James G. Wright TI - The efficacy and risks of using povidone-iodine irrigation to prevent surgical site infection: an evidence-based review DP - 2007 Dec 01 TA - Canadian Journal of Surgery PG - 473--481 VI - 50 IP - 6 4099 - http://canjsurg.ca/content/50/6/473.short 4100 - http://canjsurg.ca/content/50/6/473.full SO - CAN J SURG2007 Dec 01; 50 AB - Introduction: Surgical site infection is a serious complication of surgery. This evidence-based review sought to determine the efficacy and risks of using povidone-iodine irrigation to prevent surgical site infection.Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or comparative studies only (level of evidence I–III).Results: Of the 15 included studies, all of which were level I or level II evidence (11 RCTs and 4 prospective comparative studies), 10 found povidone-iodine irrigation to be significantly more effective at preventing surgical site infection than the comparison interventions of saline, water or no irrigation. No significant risks were associated with the use of povidone-iodine irrigation other than increased postoperative serum iodine.Conclusion: Povidone-iodine irrigation is a simple and inexpensive solution with the potential to prevent surgical site infection.