Webster, J. and Osborne, S. 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2826-0627
(2006)
Meta-analysis of preoperative antiseptic bathing in the prevention of surgical site infection.
British Journal of Surgery, 93 (11).
pp. 1335-1341.
ISSN 0007-1323
Abstract
Background: Preoperative bathing with an antiseptic solution is widely used to prevent surgical site infection, but trial results are conflicting.
Methods: Trials were identified by searches of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane controlled trials register. Studies were eligible if they compared an antiseptic solution used in preoperative bathing with a non-antiseptic washing agent or with no bathing and if they reported data on surgical site infection.
Results: Six trials with a total of 10 007 patients were included; all of them used 4 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate. Three trials with 7691 patients compared chlorhexidine with placebo. Bathing with chlorhexidine did not reduce surgical site infection rate; the relative risk (RR) was 0.91. Including only trials of high quality, the RR was 0.95. Three trials with 1443 patients compared bar soap with chlorhexidine; no differences in the surgical site infection rates were detected, and the RR was 1.02. Two trials of 1092 patients compared bathing with chlorhexidine with no washing. The surgical site wound infection rate in the two groups was similar, and the RR was 0.70.
Conclusions. The evidence does not support preoperative bathing with chlorhexidine as a means of reducing surgical site wound infection.
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| Item Type: | Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C) |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Permanent restricted access to Published version in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | No Faculty |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | No Faculty |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Aug 2021 04:48 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Aug 2021 04:48 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | anti-infective agents, baths; controlled clinical trials; preoperative care; surgical wound infection |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 11 Medical and Health Sciences > 1110 Nursing > 111003 Clinical Nursing: Secondary (Acute Care) |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420501 Acute care |
| Identification Number or DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.5606 |
| URI: | http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/42956 |
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