Randomized, blinded study to assess the effect of povidone-iodine on the groin wound of patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of povidone-iodine on the groin wounds of patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery.


METHODS
This is a prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study on patients undergoing primary saphenofemoral ligation. Patients were randomized to a povidone-iodine (Betadine; Pfizer, West Ryde, Australia)-soaked surgical gauze placed in the open wound or a saline-soaked gauze placed in the wound. Patients were then followed up weekly for 6 weeks to observe for signs of wound infection.


RESULTS
Sixty-eight legs in 49 patients were recruited. Thirty-seven groin wounds were randomized to saline and 32 to Betadine. There was a reduced incidence of groin wound infections in those randomized to Betadine (3 versus 1), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.4).


CONCLUSIONS
Although there may be a trend towards a lower wound infection rate when povidone-iodine is use in surgical wounds, this is not significant for varicose vein surgery.
Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Stuart R
SR
Walker
Anne
A
Smith
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D011206:Povidone-Iodine
povidone-iodine; surgical site infection; varicose vein