Authors: Ashafa Isa Birnin-Gwari, Aliyu Muhammad Koko.
Background: Surgical site infections following Neurosurgical procedures are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality; constitute added economic burden and affect the patient’s quality of life negatively.
The primary source of pathogenic microorganisms is the patient’s skin flora, making preoperative skin antisepsis a primary focus for preventive strategies.
Objective: To review literature on various antiseptic agents used in neurosurgical practice and find out the most appropriate and effective agent(s) in preventing surgical site infections.
Methods: A search in PubMed and Google scholar was made and various published articles on the use of antiseptic agents in preventing SSI in neurosurgery were reviewed.
Results: Reviewed literature revealed that sequential use of 4% chlorhexidine and 10% povidone iodine is associated with significant reduction in both transient and resident’s pathogens, as well as surgical site infections.
Conclusion: A review of relevant scientific literature supports sequential use of 4% chlorhexidine and 10% povidone iodine in prevention of surgical site infections in neurosurgery
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