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. 2007 Dec;50(6):473-81.

The efficacy and risks of using povidone-iodine irrigation to prevent surgical site infection: an evidence-based review

Josie Chundamala  1 , James G Wright
Affiliations
Free PMC article

The efficacy and risks of using povidone-iodine irrigation to prevent surgical site infection: an evidence-based review

Josie Chundamala et al. Can J Surg. 2007 Dec.
Free PMC article

Abstract
in English, French

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.

Objectif: L'infection du site de l'intervention constitue une complication sérieuse de la chirurgie. Cette critique factuelle voulait déterminer l'efficacité et les risques de l'utilisation de l'irrigation par solution de povidone-iode pour prévenir l'infection du site opératoire.

Méthodes: Nous avons effectué dans MEDLINE et EMBASE une recherche portant uniquement sur des études contrôlées randomisées (ECR) ou des études comparatives (niveaux de preuve I–III).

Résultats: Des 15 études incluses, qui présentaient toutes un niveau de preuve I ou II (11 ECR et 4 études comparatives prospectives), 10 ont révélé que l'irrigation au moyen d'une solution de povidone-iode avait été beaucoup plus efficace pour prévenir l'infection du site d'intervention que autres mesures comparées (application de solutions salines ou d'eau, ou l'absence d'irrigation). Aucun risque significatif n'a été associé à l'utilisation de l'irrigation à la povidone-iode, sauf l'élévation de la concentration sérique d'iode après l'intervention.

Conclusion: L'irrigation au moyen d'une solution de povidone-iode est un moyen simple et peu coûteux de prévenir l'infection du site d'intervention.

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