Chlorhexidine vs. Iodine for Vaginal Preparation in Urogynecologic Procedures

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine whether there is a difference in efficacy of two of the most common commercially available vaginal surgical preparations. The first objective is to determine whether chlorhexidine gluconate is non-inferior to povidone iodine with respect to post-operative infections including urinary tract infections (both culture proven and empirically treated) and surgical site infections (as defined by the Centers for Disease Control). The second objective is to determine whether chlorhexidine gluconate is non-inferior to povidone iodine with respect to vulvar and vaginal irritation.

Inclusion criteria

• Female Subjects >18 years of age
• English or Spanish speaking/reading
• Must be able to provide informed consent
• Undergoing urogynecologic procedures or surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant - all patients are verified regarding pregnancy status prior to gynecologic surgical intervention at all sites of surgery - for patients who are premenopausal and have a uterus, a urine pregnancy test is administered in the preoperative setting. Pregnancy status is also determined prior to this in the office setting by interview and patient provided history prior to offering surgery to the patient.
• Inability to return for follow-up visits
• No concurrent need for vaginal antisepsis, such as cases of sacral neuromodulation
• Lack of telephone
• Known allergy to either antiseptic agent
• Prisoners will not be eligible to participate in this study