The use of povidone-iodine to prevent postoperative wound infection.
A retrospective analysis of the use of povidone-iodine in the prevention of postoperative wound infections was done. Fifty consecutive patients who underwent major head and neck procedures involving the oral cavity or pharynx were studied. Time-honored techniques were used, including underflap suction and perioperative antibiotics. Immediately before skin closure, the operative wound was irrigated with povidone-iodine solution. There was one minor postoperative infection, with no fistulas, wound dehiscence, or other complications. The single wound infection cleared with simple drainage. This infection rate of 2% compares favorably with those previously reported in the literature.
D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D037981:Neck Dissection; D011205:Povidone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy*
D011206:Povidone-Iodine; D011205:Povidone