Review: full body washing with skin antiseptics before surgery does not prevent surgical site infection
Q Does full body washing with skin antiseptics before surgery prevent surgical site infection?
METHODS
Data sources:
Medline (2005), Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (2005) (includes searches of Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, wound care journals, and relevant conference proceedings), reference lists of retrieved articles, and manufacturers of antiseptic products.
Study selection and assessment:
randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared preoperative full body bathing or showering using antiseptic solution with use of non-antiseptic soap or no full body wash in adults or children undergoing any type of surgery. 6 RCTs (n = 10 007) met the selection criteria. The antiseptic used in all trials was 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. Quality of RCTs was independently assessed by 2 reviewers based on randomisation method, allocation concealment, blinding, …
