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Topical Application of Povidone Iodine to Minimize Post Appendectomy Wound Infection

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eMediNexus    26 March 2022

Post appendectomy wound infection rate remains high even after employing prophylactic antibiotic and sterilization techniques and various methods of wound care.

A randomized control study (RCS) investigated if using Povidone-iodine just before wound suturing could decrease surgical wound infection rates after surgery for an appendectomy. 

The study enrolled 120 patients operated for acute appendicitis with open appendectomy, who were then randomized into three groups-

  • Group A (n=40) where the subcutaneous tissue was irrigated with 1% diluted Povidone-iodine solution before skin closure.
  • Group B (n=40) where the wound was washed with normal saline, 
  • Group C (control group, n=40) where no irrigation was done.

The patients were followed for 10 days for surgical site infection according to the Southampton wound grade system. A reduction in the number of wound infections was noticed in group A compared with groups B and C.

Thus using Povidone-iodine 1% before skin closure is an effective method in reducing the rate of infection of the wound after surgery for acute appendicitis.

Source- Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 2021;15(4): 1743–1747. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i4.16956

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