Optimal Approaches to Skin Preparation Prior to Neurosurgery

Abstract

Surgical site infections have always been and will likely remain a significant concern for physicians around the world. When almost 40% of nosocomial surgical infections are related to the incision site, appropriate preperation of the skin becomes a particular concern. Neurosurgery is no stranger to surgical site infection. Infections of this type in the neurosurgical patient can have serious, long-lasting consequences should infection spread deeper than skin level. In this article, the current recommendations for skin preparation at the start of surgery are reviewed, taking into account specific considerations that must be made for the neurosurgical patient. In addition, the use of adjunct methods, i.e. antibiotic-impregnated drapes, and the effects of clipping versus shaving hair at the operative site are discussed.