Antiseptics for Preventing Surgical Site Infections
10.14192/kjicp.2024.29.1.3
- Author:
Jin Seo LEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:
Korean Journal of healthcare-associated Infection Control and Prevention
2024;29(1):3-9
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections in patients undergoing surgery. Surgical site preparation to prevent SSI is aimed at reducing the number of microorganisms introduced into the operative sites. Antiseptics are used to remove transient bacteria and reduce the number of commensal organisms present on the skin. The most commonly used agents are chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, and alcohol. All of these agents have broad-spectrum activity against various pathogens. Although each agent has its advantages and disadvantages, alcohol-based antiseptic solutions containing chlorhexidine are recommended in the available guidelines. Further well-designed studies are required to identify the best antiseptics for SSI prevention.
