Impact of Postoperative Skin Disinfection With Chlorhexidine on Bacterial Colonization

METHOD Study design

This was a double blinded, controlled, block-randomized intervention study with random allocation to Chlorhexidine- group or Sodium Chloride- group.

Sample and setting Participants was recruited at one county hospital in the southeast of Sweden from august 2019 to mars 2023. Consecutive sampling of adult patients over 18 years of age scheduled for primary elective shoulder arthroplasty surgery was approached for participation.

Intervention According to a predetermined schedule, the surgery site was either disinfected with 5 mg chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol or cleaned with sterile sodium chloride, Skin samples Skin swabs were collected on four occasions: 1. Baseline, 2. After skin disinfection, 3. Post-intervention, and 4. After 48 hours. All samples in the study were collected utilizing the eSwab system with flocked swabs Two swabs were collected on each occasion. The Pencil Eraser Swab (PES)- technique was employed (26). Swabs were gently rubbed in an oscillating motion, moving downward, and then replicating the same motion upward, repeated 15 times. For sample 1 and 2, one swab on each side of the intended incision site was collected. For samples 3 and 4, swabs were taken from each sides of the incision, positioned 1 cm away from the sutures or staples, with one swab collected on each side

Inclusion criteria

Adult patients over 18 years, scheduled for primary elective shoulder arthroplasty surgery.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria were previous allergic reaction or perceived adverse effects of chlorhexidine, prolonged treatment with cortisone (>5 mg), antibiotic treatment within 14 days prior to scheduled surgery, skin disease or ongoing skin infection.

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