Preoperative Vaginal Painting with 1% Povidone-Iodine Before Cesarean Delivery to Reduce Postoperative Febrile Morbidity : A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether vaginal painting with 1% povidone-iodine before cesarean delivery decreased the risk of postoperative febrile morbiditiy, endometritis, wound infection and length of hospital stay.

Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial at Nakhon Pathom hospital, 600 women undergoing cesarean delivery between September 2010 and January 2011 were randomly allocated to have a preoperative vaginal painting with 1% povidone-iodine (study group) or to a standard care group (no vaginal painting). The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative fever, endometritis, wound infection and length of hospital stay.

Results: Postoperative febrile morbidity in study group (11%) compared with the control group (31%) p < 0.001. Postcesarean endometritis occurred 3% in control group but not found in study group (p < 0.004). Wound infection was found 1 case in study group compared with 4 cases in control group but the difference was not statistically significant. Length of hospital stay was not statistically significant. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an increased risk of developing febrile morbidity association with vaginal painting (no vs. yes) odds ratio 3.68 (95% confidence interval) (2.36 to 5.74), duration of PROM per hour increased odds ratio 1.10 (95% confidence interval) (1.05 to 1.14) p < 0.001.

Conclusion: Preoperative vaginal painting with 1% povidone-iodine decreased the incidence of postoperative febrile morbidity and endometritis. Vaginal painting with 1% povidone-iodine before cesarean delivery may decrease wound infection, although the reduction was not statistically significant. This intervention may benefit to decrease the overall risk of postoperative fever or endometritis.