Swabbing of Subcutaneous Tissues with Betadine for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection after Caesarian Section

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that arise within 30 days following surgery. Povidone-iodine irrigation is a cost-effective and uncomplicated method that has the ability to prevent SSIs.

Aim of the work: To evaluate effectiveness of povidone-iodine S/C swabbing on postoperative wound infection following CS.

Patients and Methods: This was randomized controlled clinical research that involved a total of 240 women undergoing elective lower (uterine) segment caesarean section (LSCS). And was carried out in the labor ward of Damanhur Medical National Institute Hospital. They were separated into two groups: Povidone-Iodine Group: included 120 women who had S/C tissue irrigation with PVI one percent solution after elective CS. & control group: 120 women did not have S/C tissue irrigation with PVI one percent solution.

Results: Among the Povidone-Iodine & Control group, the incidence of SSI did not substantially vary (9.2% vs. 10%, p = 0.83). No statistically significant variances were noted among 2 groups concerning age, BMI, parity, gestational age, surgeon ranking, preoperative hemoglobin, anesthesia type, operating time, hemoglobin decline, the types of treatments employed, such as after operative pyrexia, wound infection, requirement for extra antibiotic dosages, secondary suturing, hospital stays, and category of infection.

Conclusion: The utilization of povidone iodine solution for irrigating S/C tissue before closing the skin in elective caesarian births does not provide any further advantage in decreasing the incidence of SSI & is thus not currently suggested.