Randomized, blinded study to assess the effect of povidone-iodine on the groin wound of patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery.

Abstract

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).

CONCLUSION:

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.

• Authors: Stuart R Walker, Anne Smith
• Journal: ANZ journal of surgery (ANZ J Surg) Vol. 83 Issue 11 Pg. 844-6 (Nov 2013) ISSN: 1445-2197 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23360528 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2013 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2013 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents, Local
• Povidone-Iodine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Groin (blood supply, surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Povidone-Iodine (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Surgical Wound Infection (prevention & control)
• Varicose Veins (surgery)