The Use of Anti-Septic Solutions in the Prevention of Neurosurgical Site Infections

The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) varies from 0.7 to 11.9 % after spinal surgical procedures [1-4]. Pre-incisional skin preparation with an antiseptic solution is crucial in preventing SSI. ChloraPrep® (2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol; CareFusion, Inc., Leawood, KS) and DuraPrepTM (iodine-povacrylex and isopropyl alcohol; Surgical Solution, 3M Health Care, St. Paul, MN) are among several alcohol based skin preparations approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use prior to surgery and have become increasingly popular over the last 2 decades amongst spine surgeons. Iodine has been recognized for its ability to prevent skin infections since its discovery in 1811. Betadine® (Microbicides, Purdue Products L.P., Stamford, CT) is a brand name for a range of povidone-iodine topical antiseptics that have been in use in the operating room for over half a century.