Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Skin Preparation Prior to Epidural Anesthesia: Chlorhexidine or Povidone Iodine?

Widi Yuli Harianto*, Mahmud and Untung Widodo

Background: Infection in the epidural space is rare but if it occurs it is a serious complication of epidural catheter placement. This study aimed to compare 0.5% chlorhexidine and 10% povidone iodine in preventing bacterial colonization of epidural catheters in patients treated at the Dr. Sardjito Hospital.

Methods: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was performed to 52 subjects who underwent epidural anesthesia or a combination of general and epidural anesthesia at the Dr. Sardjito Hospital between January to April 2019. Subjects were divided into a control group (10% povidone iodine) and an intervention group (0.5% clorhexidine in 70% alcohol). Examination of the epidural catheter (3-4 cm) tip culture on the 3rd day after installation.

Results: Chi-square test showed that the effectiveness in preventing bacterial colonization in epidural cathetersof chlorhexidine 0.5% in 70% alcohol was did not differ significantly compared to povidone iodine 10%. This study found positive bacterial cultures on chlorhexidine 0.5% and povidone iodine 10% each in 13% of 23 epidural catheters (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The effectiveness of 0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol compared to 10% povidone iodine did not differ significantly in preventing bacterial colonization in epidural catheters.

Published Date: 2020-07-22; Received Date: 2020-06-26