The use of povidone-iodine to prevent postoperative wound infection.

A retrospective analysis of the use of povidone-iodine in the prevention of postoperative wound infections was done. Fifty consecutive patients who underwent major head and neck procedures involving the oral cavity or pharynx were studied. Time-honored techniques were used, including underflap suction and perioperative antibiotics. Immediately before skin closure, the operative wound was irrigated with povidone-iodine solution. There was one minor postoperative infection, with no fistulas, wound dehiscence, or other complications. The single wound infection cleared with simple drainage. This infection rate of 2% compares favorably with those previously reported in the literature.