The effect of povidone-iodine irrigation on perineal wound healing following proctectomy for carcinoma

Abstract

Fifty-six patients undergoing abdomino-perineal excision of the rectum for carcinoma were randomized to receive twice daily irrigation of the perineal wound with either 1% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) or normal saline for 5 days following surgery. The incidence of perineal wound infection, primary and delayed wound healing and persistent sinus formation was recorded. There was a highly significant reduction in perineal wound infection in the PVP-I group (P less than 0.01) and this was true even if perineal wound contamination had occurred during operation (P less than 0.05). Primary wound healing was significantly improved in the treatment group (P less than 0.02) and this was found also in the presence of contamination (P less than 0.005). There was no significant difference between the treated and control group in the incidence of delayed wound healing and persistent sinus formation.