The Use of Anti-Septic Solutions in the Prevention of Neurosurgical Site Infections

ABSTRACT

Pre-incisional skin preparation with an antiseptic solution is crucial in preventing SSI. However, a lack of consensus in both general and spine surgery regarding the preference of skin preparation methods continues.The goal of this study is to evaluate the preferred method of pre-operative skin preparation for spine surgery in various academic and non-academic institutions in the United States. Most of the neurosurgical centers used DuraPrep followed by ChloraPrep and then Betadine. Thirty-seven centers used various combinations either as a preference in isolated cases or as a combination. The surveyed neurosurgical departments came from all 9 regions in the United States (Pacific, Mountain, West south central, West north central, East north central, East south central, South Atlantic, Middle Atlantic, and New England. ChloraPrep is the preferred choice in 5 regions, whereas DuraPrep is preferred in the other 3 regions. Although most of the literature is in favor of ChloraPrep over Betadine or DuraPrep in reducing SSI, the majority of neurosurgical departments continue to use iodine solutions in spine procedures.

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