WHO recommendations on choice of antiseptic agent and method of application for preoperative skin preparation for caesarean section

Download or read book WHO recommendations on choice of antiseptic agent and method of application for preoperative skin preparation for caesarean section written by and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2021-06-18 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There was a lack of evidence to recommend a specific concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate; however, most trials included used 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol. Maternal allergy to alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate must be excluded before surgery. In women with no previous history of allergy to alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate, it should be noted that chlorhexidine gluconate can cause skin irritation. A standard preoperative skin preparation technique that is appropriate for the intended skin incision must be followed. As alcohol is highly flammable, alcohol-based antiseptic preparations may ignite if used in the presence of diathermy, and they must be allowed to dry by evaporation. It is advisable to ensure that the drapes are not saturated with alcohol or that the alcohol-based solution has not formed a pool underneath the woman before starting surgery. Particular care should be taken at emergency caesarean section. Where chlorhexidine gluconate is not available, other antiseptic agent such as povidone-iodine can be considered a suitable antiseptic agent for preoperative skin preparation, although it is not as effective as alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate. The Guideline Development Group noted that the current recommendation is consistent with the 2016 WHO global guidelines on the prevention of surgical site infection, which recommends chlorhexidine gluconate alcohol-based antiseptic solutions for surgical site skin preparation in individuals undergoing surgical procedures.