A Randomized Controlled Trial of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Skin Preparation Cloths for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Adults Undergoing Spine Surgeries: Residual Reduction in Skin Bacterial Load for 4 Days.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) result in increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged recovery, longer hospital length of stay for medication or possible additional surgeries, and escalated health care costs. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare SSI rates and overall skin flora burden between those using chlorhexidine (CHG) cloths versus soap and water preoperatively in the adult spine surgery population.

Methods: Subjects were randomized preoperatively to use 2% CHG cloths versus soap and water the night before and morning of surgery prior to the operation.