Subcutaneous Tissue Irrigation with Povidone Iodine in Decreasing the Rate of Surgical Site Infection Following Cesarean Section: (Randomized Control Trial)

Background Cesarean section remains to be one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide and available data indicate that surgical interventions constitute approximately 0.4%–40.5% of all deliveries. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are reported to occur in up to 8.4% of women having a caesarean section (CS) with many negative effects, including pain, prolonged hospitalisation or readmission, need for antibiotics, return to theatre and increasing costs. Objective In women undergoing elective caesarian section, subcutaneous tissue irrigation with povidone Iodine may decrease the rate of surgical site infection. Patients and Methods The study included any female from 20 to 35 years old of gestational age 38 week or older with viable fetus, BMI 20-30 Kg/m2. Patient excluded were those with preoperative haemoglobin less than 10, prolonged rupture of membranes, diabetic, hypertensive or with any medical disorder including autoimmune diseases. Results The result of our study demonstrated that the use of povidone iodine 1% solution doesn’t have an added benefit in decreasing the incidence of SSI. Conclusion We conclude that the use of povidone iodine 1% solution in irrigation of subcutaneous tissue prior to skin closure in elective caesarian deliveries does not have an added benefit in decreasing the incidence of SSI and is, thus, not recommended at time being.