RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The efficacy and risks of using povidone-iodine irrigation to prevent surgical site infection: an evidence-based review
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 473
OP 481
VO 50
IS 6
A1 Josie Chundamala
A1 James G. Wright
YR 2007
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/50/6/473.abstract
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.