Rifamycin SV Application to Subcutanous Tissue for Prevention of Post-Cesarean Surgical Site Infection

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Rifamycin SV application to subcutaneous tissue for prevention of post-caesarean wound infection with a traditional method used for preoperative antisepsis of skin; povidone-iodine and also to calculate cost of the treatment. Method: In this randomized prospective study, 1272 women were divided into two groups. Povidone-iodine was used for preoperative antisepsis and after closure of the skin in the first group. In the second group povidone-iodine was used in the same way but also subcutaneous tissue was irrigated with Rifamycin SV before closure of subcutaneous tissue. Result: Surgical site infection (SSI) was developed in 12 of 600 patients in the first group. All of them were superficial incisional SSI. In 2 cases wound was opened up to fascia. The overall rate of wound infection with pus was 2%. Total cost of 12 patients with SSI was $5386. In the 2nd group, SSI wasn’t develop in any of the 596 patients. Total cost of the rifamycin SV used for washing of subcutaneous tissue was $876.12. Conclusion: Rifamycin SV application to subcutaneous tissue during cesarian effectively prevents SSI. It decreases both cost and morbidity caused by wound infection.