The use of povidone-iodine to prevent postoperative wound infection
D. H. Rice and D. Maceri
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.