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Meta-Analysis
. 2010 Nov;97(11):1614-20.
doi: 10.1002/bjs.7214.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of preoperative antisepsis with chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine in clean-contaminated surgery

A Noorani  1 , N Rabey, S R Walsh, R J Davies
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of preoperative antisepsis with chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine in clean-contaminated surgery

A Noorani et al. Br J Surg. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Surgical-site infection increases morbidity, mortality and financial burden. The preferred topical antiseptic agent (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) for preoperative skin cleansing is unclear.

Methods: A meta-analysis of clinical trials was conducted to determine whether preoperative antisepsis with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine reduced surgical-site infection in clean-contaminated surgery.

Results: The systematic review identified six eligible studies, containing 5031 patients. Chlorhexidine reduced postoperative surgical-site infection compared with povidone-iodine (pooled odds ratio 0.68, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.50 to 0.94; P = 0.019) .

Conclusion: Chlorhexidine should be used preferentially for preoperative antisepsis in clean-contaminated surgery.

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