Current preoperative antisepsis in neurosurgery: an example of the challenges in implementing evidence-based medicine to surgical practice.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Effective preoperative skin decolonisation is an important preventative strategy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidelines recommend decolonisation using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or povidone iodine (PVI). Current evidence indicates that CHG is more effective, while the combination of CHG and PVI is greater still. This study describes current practice among neurosurgeons in the UK, including differences between trainees and consultants, to review compliance with the latest evidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Society of British Neurosurgical Surgeons approved national, multicentre questionnaire was circulated online. A total of 74 complete responses were obtained from 27 trainees and 47 consultants, representing 28 of 37 neurosurgical centres.

RESULTS: Of the total responding centres, 36 (49%) used a single agent and 38 (51%) used a dual-agent preparation. One respondent used Tisept®. Seventy (95%) used alcohol in some form and none used aqueous CHG. Trainees were more likely to use a dual-agent preparation (P = 0.025). Forty-seven (63%) prepared the skin three or more times, with trainees preparing the skin more times than consultants (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Neurosurgical practice adheres to national clinical guidelines but not the latest evidence from the literature. Given the weighting placed on randomised controlled trials, such a trial may be required to standardise practice that is likely to reduce surgical site infection.