Abstract
We conducted a prospective cohort study on the effectiveness of preoperative bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloths for reducing surgical site infections. We hypothesized that use of CHG cloths as an adjunct to surgical prep would significantly reduce the endogenous flora of surgical patients and therefore reduce surgical site infections. Data from a control group of patients who had undergone general, vascular, and orthopedic surgery were used for comparison. Results indicated an overall reduction of infection in the group that received a 2% CHG bath before surgery. There also was a possible reduction in postoperative organ space infection, although the sample numbers were extremely small. To reduce surgical site infections, we suggest a nursing protocol of preoperative bathing with a 2% CHG cloth for patients undergoing general and vascular surgery, and an additional trial to investigate the use of preoperative CHG cloth baths in all surgical patient populations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
