Impact of choice of skin preparation solution in cardiac surgery on rate of surgical site infection: a propensity score matched analysis

Antiseptic skin preparations containing chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine are routinely used to reduce the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This study assesses the efficacy of two alcohol-based solutions, 2% chlorhexidine-alcohol and 10% povidone iodine-alcohol, on the incidence of cardiac SSI.A total of 738 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery had skin preparation with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropanol...