Skip to main content
Top
Published in: World Journal of Surgery 5/2020

01-05-2020 | Scientific Review

Preoperative Antisepsis with Chlorhexidine Versus Povidone-Iodine for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: Shi Chen, Jun Wu Chen, Bin Guo, Chun Cheng Xu

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 5/2020

Login to get access

Abstract

Background and Objective

Chlorhexidine (CH) and povidone-iodine (PI) are the most commonly used preoperative skin antiseptics at present. However, the prevention of the surgical site infection (SSI) and the incidence of skin adverse events do not reach a consistent statement and conclusion. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in the prevention of postoperative surgical site infection and the incidence of corresponding skin adverse events.

Method

Substantial studies related to “skin antiseptic” and “surgical site infection” were consulted on PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CNKI. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative SSI. The secondary outcome was associated with skin adverse events. All data were analyzed with Revman 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included, including 29,006 participants. This study revealed that chlorhexidine was superior to povidone-iodine in the prevention of postoperative SSI (risk ratio [RR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–0.77; p < 0.00001, I2 = 57%). Further subgroup analysis showed that chlorhexidine was superior to povidone-iodine in the prevention of postoperative SSI in clean surgery (risk ratio [RR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.98; p = 0.03), I2 = 28%) and clean-contaminated surgery (risk ratio [RR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.73; p < 0.00001, I2 = 43%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of skin adverse events between CH and PI groups.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine was superior to povidone-iodine in preventing postoperative SSI, especially for the clean-contaminated surgery. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of skin adverse events between CH and PI groups.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Abbas M, Pittet D (2016) Surgical site infection prevention: a global priority. J Hosp Infect 93(4):319–322CrossRef Abbas M, Pittet D (2016) Surgical site infection prevention: a global priority. J Hosp Infect 93(4):319–322CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Mangram AJ et al (1999) Guideline for prevention of surgical site infection, 1999. Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 20(4):250–278 (quiz 279-80) CrossRef Mangram AJ et al (1999) Guideline for prevention of surgical site infection, 1999. Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 20(4):250–278 (quiz 279-80) CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Heal CF et al (2016) Topical antibiotics for preventing surgical site infection in wounds healing by primary intention. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 11:Cd011426PubMed Heal CF et al (2016) Topical antibiotics for preventing surgical site infection in wounds healing by primary intention. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 11:Cd011426PubMed
4.
go back to reference Allegranzi B et al (2016) New WHO recommendations on preoperative measures for surgical site infection prevention: an evidence-based global perspective. Lancet Infect Dis 16(12):e276–e287CrossRef Allegranzi B et al (2016) New WHO recommendations on preoperative measures for surgical site infection prevention: an evidence-based global perspective. Lancet Infect Dis 16(12):e276–e287CrossRef
5.
go back to reference Berrios-Torres SI et al (2017) Centers for disease control and prevention guideline for the prevention of surgical site infection, 2017. JAMA Surg 152(8):784–791CrossRef Berrios-Torres SI et al (2017) Centers for disease control and prevention guideline for the prevention of surgical site infection, 2017. JAMA Surg 152(8):784–791CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Team NGU (2019) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: clinical guidelines, in surgical site infections: prevention and treatment. 2019, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) Copyright (c) NICE 2019.: London Team NGU (2019) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: clinical guidelines, in surgical site infections: prevention and treatment. 2019, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) Copyright (c) NICE 2019.: London
7.
go back to reference Higgins JP et al (2011) The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ 343:d5928CrossRef Higgins JP et al (2011) The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ 343:d5928CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Higgins JP et al (2003) Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ 327(7414):557–560CrossRef Higgins JP et al (2003) Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ 327(7414):557–560CrossRef
9.
go back to reference Hong X, Cheng Y, Dai Z (1997) Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Region, correctly mastering the classification of surgical incision and the principle of healing grade identification. Chin Hosp Manag (01):41 1001-5329 23-1041 CNKI Hong X, Cheng Y, Dai Z (1997) Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Region, correctly mastering the classification of surgical incision and the principle of healing grade identification. Chin Hosp Manag (01):41 1001-5329 23-1041 CNKI
10.
go back to reference Perek B et al (2013) Comparative analysis of the antiseptic effectiveness of two commercially available skin disinfectants in cardiac surgery—a preliminary report. Kardiochirurgia I Torakochirurgia Polska 10(2):177–181 Perek B et al (2013) Comparative analysis of the antiseptic effectiveness of two commercially available skin disinfectants in cardiac surgery—a preliminary report. Kardiochirurgia I Torakochirurgia Polska 10(2):177–181
11.
go back to reference Hannan MM et al (2015) The combined impact of surgical team education and chlorhexidine 2% alcohol on the reduction of surgical site infection following cardiac surgery. Surg Infect 16(6):799–805CrossRef Hannan MM et al (2015) The combined impact of surgical team education and chlorhexidine 2% alcohol on the reduction of surgical site infection following cardiac surgery. Surg Infect 16(6):799–805CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Anirudh S et al (2015) Comparison of the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone iodine as preoperative skin preparation for the prevention of surgical site infections in clean-contaminated upper abdominal surgeries. Surg Today 45(11):1378–1384CrossRef Anirudh S et al (2015) Comparison of the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone iodine as preoperative skin preparation for the prevention of surgical site infections in clean-contaminated upper abdominal surgeries. Surg Today 45(11):1378–1384CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Davies BM, Patel HC (2016) Does chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine preoperative antisepsis reduce surgical site infection in cranial neurosurgery? Ann R Coll Surg Engl 98(6):405–408CrossRef Davies BM, Patel HC (2016) Does chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine preoperative antisepsis reduce surgical site infection in cranial neurosurgery? Ann R Coll Surg Engl 98(6):405–408CrossRef
14.
go back to reference Madej T et al (2016) Reducing mediastinitis after sternotomy with combined chlorhexidine-isopropyl alcohol skin disinfection: analysis of 3000 patients. Surg Infect 17(5):552–556CrossRef Madej T et al (2016) Reducing mediastinitis after sternotomy with combined chlorhexidine-isopropyl alcohol skin disinfection: analysis of 3000 patients. Surg Infect 17(5):552–556CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Patrick S et al (2017) Antisepsis of the skin before spinal surgery with povidone iodine-alcohol followed by chlorhexidine gluconate-alcohol versus povidone iodine-alcohol applied twice for the prevention of contamination of the wound by bacteria. Bone Joint J 99B(10):1354–1365CrossRef Patrick S et al (2017) Antisepsis of the skin before spinal surgery with povidone iodine-alcohol followed by chlorhexidine gluconate-alcohol versus povidone iodine-alcohol applied twice for the prevention of contamination of the wound by bacteria. Bone Joint J 99B(10):1354–1365CrossRef
16.
go back to reference Sumei Guo, Lifeng Li (2017) Comparison of the effects of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine on preoperative skin preparation. Chin J Disinfect 34(07):684–686 Sumei Guo, Lifeng Li (2017) Comparison of the effects of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine on preoperative skin preparation. Chin J Disinfect 34(07):684–686
17.
go back to reference Ghobrial GM et al (2018) Preoperative skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone-iodine: a prospective analysis of 6959 consecutive spinal surgery patients. J Neurosurg Spine 28(2):209–214CrossRef Ghobrial GM et al (2018) Preoperative skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone-iodine: a prospective analysis of 6959 consecutive spinal surgery patients. J Neurosurg Spine 28(2):209–214CrossRef
18.
go back to reference Raja SG et al (2018) Impact of choice of skin preparation solution in cardiac surgery on rate of surgical site infection: a propensity score matched analysis. J Infect Prev 19(1):16–21CrossRef Raja SG et al (2018) Impact of choice of skin preparation solution in cardiac surgery on rate of surgical site infection: a propensity score matched analysis. J Infect Prev 19(1):16–21CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Peel TN et al (2019) Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus iodine-alcohol for surgical site skin preparation in an elective arthroplasty (ACAISA) study: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Clin Microbiol Infect Peel TN et al (2019) Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus iodine-alcohol for surgical site skin preparation in an elective arthroplasty (ACAISA) study: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Clin Microbiol Infect
20.
go back to reference Culligan PJ et al (2005) A randomized trial that compared povidone iodine and chlorhexidine as antiseptics for vaginal hysterectomy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 192(2):422–425CrossRef Culligan PJ et al (2005) A randomized trial that compared povidone iodine and chlorhexidine as antiseptics for vaginal hysterectomy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 192(2):422–425CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Jonia A-A et al (2013) Can we reduce the surgical site infection rate in cesarean sections using a chlorhexidine-based antisepsis protocol? The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 26(17) Jonia A-A et al (2013) Can we reduce the surgical site infection rate in cesarean sections using a chlorhexidine-based antisepsis protocol? The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 26(17)
22.
go back to reference Yeung LL et al (2013) A comparison of chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for eliminating skin flora before genitourinary prosthetic surgery: a randomized controlled trial. J Urol 189(1):136–140CrossRef Yeung LL et al (2013) A comparison of chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for eliminating skin flora before genitourinary prosthetic surgery: a randomized controlled trial. J Urol 189(1):136–140CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Ngai IM et al (2015) Skin preparation for prevention of surgical site infection after cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 126(6):1251–1257CrossRef Ngai IM et al (2015) Skin preparation for prevention of surgical site infection after cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 126(6):1251–1257CrossRef
24.
go back to reference Kunkle CM et al (2015) Chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone iodine at cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 28(5):573–577CrossRef Kunkle CM et al (2015) Chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone iodine at cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 28(5):573–577CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Salama FA et al (2016) Efficacy and safety of chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine skin antisepsis in reducing surgical site infection in cesarean sections: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Evid Based Womenʼs Health J 6(1) Salama FA et al (2016) Efficacy and safety of chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine skin antisepsis in reducing surgical site infection in cesarean sections: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Evid Based Womenʼs Health J 6(1)
26.
go back to reference Tuuli MG et al (2016) A randomized trial comparing skin antiseptic agents at cesarean delivery. N Engl J Med 374(7):647–655CrossRef Tuuli MG et al (2016) A randomized trial comparing skin antiseptic agents at cesarean delivery. N Engl J Med 374(7):647–655CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Tuuli MG et al (2016) Chlorhexidine-alcohol compared with iodine-alcohol for preventing surgical-site infection at cesarean: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 214(1):S3–S4CrossRef Tuuli MG et al (2016) Chlorhexidine-alcohol compared with iodine-alcohol for preventing surgical-site infection at cesarean: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 214(1):S3–S4CrossRef
28.
go back to reference Danasekaran G, Rasu S, Palani M (2017) A study of comparative evaluation of preoperative skin preparation with chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine in prevention of surgical site infections. J Evid Based Med Healthcare 4(41) Danasekaran G, Rasu S, Palani M (2017) A study of comparative evaluation of preoperative skin preparation with chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine in prevention of surgical site infections. J Evid Based Med Healthcare 4(41)
29.
go back to reference Springel EH et al (2017) A randomized open-label controlled trial of chlorhexidine-alcohol vs povidone-iodine for cesarean antisepsis: the CAPICA trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 217(4):463.e1–463.e8CrossRef Springel EH et al (2017) A randomized open-label controlled trial of chlorhexidine-alcohol vs povidone-iodine for cesarean antisepsis: the CAPICA trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 217(4):463.e1–463.e8CrossRef
30.
go back to reference Elshamy E et al (2018) Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for skin preparation before elective cesarean section: a prospective observational study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 8:1–5 Elshamy E et al (2018) Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for skin preparation before elective cesarean section: a prospective observational study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 8:1–5
31.
go back to reference Xiaoxia Shou et al (2018) Clinical analysis of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in preventing postoperative wound infection. Chin J Nosocomiol 28(17):2702–2704 Xiaoxia Shou et al (2018) Clinical analysis of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in preventing postoperative wound infection. Chin J Nosocomiol 28(17):2702–2704
32.
go back to reference Swenson BR et al (2009) Effects of preoperative skin preparation on postoperative wound infection rates: a prospective study of 3 skin preparation protocols. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 30(10):964–971CrossRef Swenson BR et al (2009) Effects of preoperative skin preparation on postoperative wound infection rates: a prospective study of 3 skin preparation protocols. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 30(10):964–971CrossRef
33.
go back to reference Darouiche RO et al (2010) Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for surgical-site antisepsis. N Engl J Med 362(1):18–26CrossRef Darouiche RO et al (2010) Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for surgical-site antisepsis. N Engl J Med 362(1):18–26CrossRef
34.
go back to reference Luzia RA, Biondo SMdLP (2014) Incidence of surgical site infection with pre-operative skin preparation using 10% polyvidone-iodine and 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol. Revista do Colegio Brasileiro de Cirurgioes 40(6) Luzia RA, Biondo SMdLP (2014) Incidence of surgical site infection with pre-operative skin preparation using 10% polyvidone-iodine and 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol. Revista do Colegio Brasileiro de Cirurgioes 40(6)
35.
go back to reference Bibi S et al (2015) Is chlorhexidine-gluconate superior than Povidone-Iodine in preventing surgical site infections? A multicenter study. J Pak Med Assoc 65(11):1197–1201PubMed Bibi S et al (2015) Is chlorhexidine-gluconate superior than Povidone-Iodine in preventing surgical site infections? A multicenter study. J Pak Med Assoc 65(11):1197–1201PubMed
36.
go back to reference Li Lai et al (2017) A randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in preventing surgical wound infection. J Sichuan Univ (Med Ed) 48(03):500–502 Li Lai et al (2017) A randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in preventing surgical wound infection. J Sichuan Univ (Med Ed) 48(03):500–502
37.
go back to reference Paocharoen V, Mingmalairak C, Apisarnthanarak A (2009) Comparison of surgical wound infection after preoperative skin preparation with 4% chlorhexidine [correction of chlohexidine] and povidone iodine: a prospective randomized trial. J Med Assoc Thai 92(7):898–902PubMed Paocharoen V, Mingmalairak C, Apisarnthanarak A (2009) Comparison of surgical wound infection after preoperative skin preparation with 4% chlorhexidine [correction of chlohexidine] and povidone iodine: a prospective randomized trial. J Med Assoc Thai 92(7):898–902PubMed
38.
go back to reference Hakkarainen TW et al (2014) Comparative effectiveness of skin antiseptic agents in reducing surgical site infections: a report from the Washington State Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program. J Am Coll Surg 218(3):336–344CrossRef Hakkarainen TW et al (2014) Comparative effectiveness of skin antiseptic agents in reducing surgical site infections: a report from the Washington State Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program. J Am Coll Surg 218(3):336–344CrossRef
39.
go back to reference Yan Wu et al (2017) Effects of chlorhexidine combined with iodine-containing surgical membranes on orthopedic incisional wound infection in children. Chin J Nosocomiol 27(18):4216–4219 Yan Wu et al (2017) Effects of chlorhexidine combined with iodine-containing surgical membranes on orthopedic incisional wound infection in children. Chin J Nosocomiol 27(18):4216–4219
40.
go back to reference Fleischer W, Reimer K (1997) Povidone-iodine in antisepsis–state of the art. Dermatology 195(Suppl 2):3–9CrossRef Fleischer W, Reimer K (1997) Povidone-iodine in antisepsis–state of the art. Dermatology 195(Suppl 2):3–9CrossRef
41.
go back to reference Milstone AM, Passaretti CL, Perl TM (2008) Chlorhexidine: expanding the armamentarium for infection control and prevention. Clin Infect Dis 46(2):274–281CrossRef Milstone AM, Passaretti CL, Perl TM (2008) Chlorhexidine: expanding the armamentarium for infection control and prevention. Clin Infect Dis 46(2):274–281CrossRef
42.
go back to reference Kulkarni AP, Awode RM (2013) A prospective randomised trial to compare the efficacy of povidone-iodine 10% and chlorhexidine 2% for skin disinfection. Indian J Anaesth 57(3):270–275CrossRef Kulkarni AP, Awode RM (2013) A prospective randomised trial to compare the efficacy of povidone-iodine 10% and chlorhexidine 2% for skin disinfection. Indian J Anaesth 57(3):270–275CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Tabor E, Bostwick DC, Evans CC (1989) Corneal damage due to eye contact with chlorhexidine gluconate. JAMA 261(4):557–558CrossRef Tabor E, Bostwick DC, Evans CC (1989) Corneal damage due to eye contact with chlorhexidine gluconate. JAMA 261(4):557–558CrossRef
44.
go back to reference Inagaki K et al (2013) Bacterial culture after three sterilization methods for cataract surgery. Jpn J Ophthalmol 57(1):74–79CrossRef Inagaki K et al (2013) Bacterial culture after three sterilization methods for cataract surgery. Jpn J Ophthalmol 57(1):74–79CrossRef
45.
go back to reference Briscoe CE, Hill DW, Payne JP (1976) Inflammable antiseptics and theatre fires. Br J Surg 63(12):981–983CrossRef Briscoe CE, Hill DW, Payne JP (1976) Inflammable antiseptics and theatre fires. Br J Surg 63(12):981–983CrossRef
46.
go back to reference Edmiston CE et al (2010) Evidence for using chlorhexidine gluconate preoperative cleansing to reduce the risk of surgical site infection. AORN J 92(5):509–518CrossRef Edmiston CE et al (2010) Evidence for using chlorhexidine gluconate preoperative cleansing to reduce the risk of surgical site infection. AORN J 92(5):509–518CrossRef
47.
go back to reference Sviggum HP et al (2012) Neurologic complications after chlorhexidine antisepsis for spinal anesthesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med 37(2):139–144CrossRef Sviggum HP et al (2012) Neurologic complications after chlorhexidine antisepsis for spinal anesthesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med 37(2):139–144CrossRef
48.
go back to reference Zhou S, Carlson A PIN5 a budget impact analysis of three presurgical skin antisepsis protocols Zhou S, Carlson A PIN5 a budget impact analysis of three presurgical skin antisepsis protocols
49.
go back to reference Jiang X, Qin Y, Cui D (2013) A meta-analysis of the preventive effects of two skin disinfectants on surgical site infection. Chin J Nosocomiol 23(19):4749–4750+4753 Jiang X, Qin Y, Cui D (2013) A meta-analysis of the preventive effects of two skin disinfectants on surgical site infection. Chin J Nosocomiol 23(19):4749–4750+4753
50.
go back to reference Privitera GP et al (2016) Skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine versus iodine for the prevention of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. AJIC Am J Infect Control Privitera GP et al (2016) Skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine versus iodine for the prevention of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. AJIC Am J Infect Control
Metadata
Title
Preoperative Antisepsis with Chlorhexidine Versus Povidone-Iodine for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors
Shi Chen
Jun Wu Chen
Bin Guo
Chun Cheng Xu
Publication date
01-05-2020
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-020-05384-7

Other articles of this Issue 5/2020

World Journal of Surgery 5/2020 Go to the issue

Surgery in Low and Middle Income Countries

Malnutrition in Acute Care Surgery Patients in Rwanda