Skin Preparation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical Site Infections have an economic and social impact due to high costs during recovery, hospital stay and deterioration in quality of life. Therefore, it is required to identify interventions and recommendations for skin preparation aimed at preventing surgical site infection based on a scientific evidence-based approach. Materials and Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted on English, Portuguese and Spanish articles published in Medline, Ovid, PubMed, Scielo, BVS, and Cochrane in 2010-2019 using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach and Prisma-P parameters. Results: After analyzing a total of 28 articles, 6 articles were found to be related to the general category (including guidelines for prevention of surgical site infection), 6 for preoperative bathing, 6 for preoperative hair removal and 10 for asepsis and antisepsis. Discussion: Although preoperative bathing is an internationally recognized practice, scientific evidence shows that this activity does not have any benefit. As for preoperative hair removal, it is not recommended except where absolutely necessary. As for surgical asepsis, mostly informative aspects are found about the use of antiseptics and chlorhexidine. Conclusions: Based on the systematic scoping review of the literature, a lack of standardization was found regarding interventions and recommendations for skin preparation for the prevention of Surgical Site Infection.