Alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation or triclosan-coated sutures to reduce surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality randomised controlled trials
Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication after surgery worldwide, affecting up to one in five patients across all surgical specialties.
A new meta-analysis, orchestrated by the NIHR Global Surgery Unit has shown that contrary to previous meta-analyses conducted on this subject, no benefit was shown from using alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation or triclosan-coated sutures, both of which are more expensive than other readily available alternatives.
The meta-analysis argues for the reconsideration and potential removal of recommendations (both national and global guidance) of routine use of such procedures for the purpose of reducing SSIs.
The manuscript containing further information can be accessed here.