Efficacy of preoperative decontamination of the oral cavity

This two-part study consisted of: (1) a survey to assess current practice p atterns, and (2) an experiment designed to assess the results of varying in traoral preparations. A 48 percent response rate was obtained from the surv ey of the 318 active members of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surge ons. This survey demonstrated that significant controversy continues regard ing the efficacy of preoperative decontamination of the oral cavity. This p rospective, randomized experimental study of 30 patients (saline, 10; povid one-iodine, 10; no preparation, 10) demonstrates a significant and sustaine d reduction of both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria after intraoral preparat ion with povidone-iodine solution but not saline. The patient's age, use of preoperative intravenous cephalosporin, and type and length of procedure d id not influence the postoperative bacterial counts. Although none of the p atients in this study developed an infection, recommendations are provided for standardized preoperative treatment of the oral cavity.