Effects of shaving and no hair removal to prevent of postoperative surgical site infections: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of shaving and no hair removal to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs). Methods Retrieved domestic and international electronic literature databases by using computer. Randomized controlled triaks (RCTs) according to inclusion criteria were selected and evaluated. Special software was used to analyze data. Results There were seventeen RCTs and thirteen studies involving 4104 peoples concerned two methods of preoperative preparation of skin: shaving hair removal and only cleaning the surgical site. One trial involving 382 peoples showed that there was no difference in SSIs between shearing hair group and removing hair with a razor group. Furthermore, three trials involving 370 people compared the difference in the positive rate of culturing bacteria of surgical sit between the two methods:shaving hair removal, and cleaning the surgical site only. The result showed there was no statistically significant difference between two methods. Conclusions As for the methods of preoperative preparation of skin, in the SSIs, cleaning hair is superior to removing hair with a razor and no evidence shows sheafing hair is superior to removing hair with a razor. Key words: Preoperative hair removal; Shaving; Surgical site infections ; Systematic review