Journal article
Effect of chlorhexidine skin prep and subcuticular skin closure on post-operative infectious morbidity and wound complications following cesarean section
Proceedings in obstetrics and gynecology, Vol.3(2), pp.1-10
02/23/2013
DOI: 10.17077/2154-4751.1201
Abstract
Background: The obstetrical department at University of Iowa implemented several interventions at reducing post-operative infections and wound complication rates following a cesarean delivery. We implemented subcuticular closure of the skin following all cesarean sections in February of 2011 and switched from a povidone/iodine skin prep to a chlorhexidine-alcohol prep April 19th 2011. Based on prior studies, we hypothesized a 50% reduction in post cesarean wound complications
Objective:
To determine if changes in skin prep type and closure method decreases post-operative infectious morbidity and wound complications.
Methods:
The study reviewed charts of women who underwent a cesarean section between 7/1/2010 and 12/31/2010 compared to those that underwent a cesarean section between 4/19/2011 and 9/7/2011. A total of 568 charts were reviewed. Women were divided into two groups; the control group included those who had a povidone/iodine skin prep and staple closure, the intervention group included those women who had chlorhexidine skin prep and skin closure with subcuticular suture.
Results:
A total of 568 charts were reviewed and 190 control (iodine/staples) subjects and 139 intervention (chlorhexidine-alcohol/suture) subjects were identified. We found no statistical difference in the overall wound complication rates between the control and intervention groups, 22.1% vs 17.4% (p.22). We did however find a significant decrease in wound separation rates: 8.4% vs 3% (p.014) Analysis showed significant risk factors for infectious morbidity and wound separation to be labor prior to surgery (p
Conclusion:
In our population the implementation of a chlorhexidine skin prep and closure of the skin with a subcuticular suture did not decrease overall infectious morbidity, it did however decrease our wound separation rate.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Effect of chlorhexidine skin prep and subcuticular skin closure on post-operative infectious morbidity and wound complications following cesarean section
- Creators
- Sara Tikkanen - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsAnna Button - University of IowaGideon Zamba - University of IowaAbbey J Hardy-Fairbanks - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Proceedings in obstetrics and gynecology, Vol.3(2), pp.1-10
- DOI
- 10.17077/2154-4751.1201
- ISSN
- 2154-4751
- eISSN
- 2154-4751
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/23/2013
- Academic Unit
- Biostatistics; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Radiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984316898402771
Metrics
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