Question
1. What is the comparative clinical effectiveness of preoperative skin antiseptic preparations for preventing surgical site infections (SSI)? 2. What is the comparative clinical effectiveness of preoperative skin antiseptic application techniques for preventing surgical site infections? 3. What preoperative skin antiseptic preparations and application techniques are recommended in clinical practice guidelines as best practice for preventing surgical site infections?
Key Message
Available evidence suggests that pre-operative antiseptic showers are effective at preventing SSIs. The method of applying antiseptic appears inconsequential, but the antiseptic of choice remains inconclusive.