The Effect of Subcutaneous Wound Irrigation with Betadine Versus Normal Saline in Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Elective Surgeries: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) describes an infectious complication of surgical wounds. Although SSI is thought to be preventable, it still represents a major cause of morbidity and substantial economic burden on the health system. Wound irrigation (WI) might reduce the level of bacterial contamination, but current data on its role in reducing or preventing SSI is conflicting. Selection of the ideal antiseptic in real-world practice should therefore be based on evidence-based guidelines.

Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Betadine solution versus normal saline prior to wound closure for the reduction of SSI in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgeries.

Materials and Methods: The hospital-based prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University of Aligarh after approval from Institutional Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine. The study population were divided into two groups based on odd and even number and subjected to betadine and normal saline irrigation simultaneously. The women detailed history and examination and outcomes of study were recorded as per study Performa. Primary outcome was the rate of SSI while allergy, postoperative fever, obstetric hemorrhages, need for antibiotic therapy, repeat surgical interventions and duration of hospital stay were included in secondary outcome measures. All data were entered in the MS excel sheet and were analysed by using SPSS latest version.

Results: Total of 200 women were included for analysis. The incidence of superficial and deep SSIs were lower in betadine group compared to normal saline group. Similarly, significant differences in postoperative fever, antibiotic therapy requirements, mean hospital stay between the two groups.

Conclusion: The use of Betadine solution for subcutaneous surgical wound irrigation prior to skin closure is a feasible and inexpensive approach for preventing surgical site infections.