The effect of povidone-iodine on postoperative wound infection in abdominal surgery.

Wound healing following elective laparotomy was studied in 220 patients. The patients were divided into two groups; the first group received preoperative skin disinfection with alcohol 70% and iodine-tincture 2% and, before skin suturing, disinfection with iodine. The second group received preoperative skin disinfection with povidone-iodine 10% (Betadine) and, before skin closure, a 10% povidone-iodine solution was applied to the subcutis and skin edges. Complicated wound healing was seen in 21% of the first and 24% of the second group; wound sepsis rate was 13% and 16% respectively, in the majority of cases following colorectal surgery.