SKIN PREPARATIONS IN CABG SURGERY - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Wound infection is of great concern following coronary artery bypass g raft surgery (CABG). A rapidly applied, 1-step iodophorin-alcohol, wat er-insoluble solution (experimental) was compared with the traditional 2-step aqueous iodophor 5- to 10-minute scrub and paint (control) in 200 consecutive CABG patients. The experimental solution took less tim e to apply in the operating room, lasted significantly longer on the i ncised wound edge at closure, and significantly improved incise drape adhesion during surgery. The overall infection rate was not significan tly different between the 2 groups, but there was a trend of lower inf ection rates with the newer product, especially in elderly and diabeti c patients.