Postoperative Vaginal Cleaning with Povidone Solution and Reduction in the Rate of Endometritis and Wound Infection
Tehmina Parveen1*, Samar Faheem2, Shabnam Hasan3 and Maria Ghulam Rasool4
1Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamdard University,
Karachi, Pakistan
2Medical Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
3Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hamdard University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
4Resident Year 1, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hamdard University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
*Corresponding Author: Tehmina Parveen, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Received:
June 26, 2025; Published: July 10, 2025
Abstract
Background: Caesarean Section is an operation performed worldwide at increasing rates. Postoperative complications, including endometritis and wound infections, contribute to increased maternal mortality. Antibiotic prophylaxis is used to lower the risk of infection, but with rising bacterial resistance, it is not enough. Several other strategies have been proposed; this study aims to see whether postoperative vaginal cleaning with povidone solution reduces complications.
Methodology: This was a comparative study with two groups, Group 1, where vaginal cleaning was done after caesarean section and Group 2, where no vaginal cleaning was done. Rates of endometritis, wound infection, fever, and duration of hospital stay were compared. Chi-Square Test and descriptive statistics were used to compare the results.
Results: There were 100 women, with both groups having 50 patients. Group 2 had a statistically higher risk of complications (p < 0), with wound infection being the highest in 34% of the patients. Endometritis was found to be 12% in Group 2, and patients also had a longer ward stay (p < 0). 80% of Group 1 had no complications, and rates of wound infection and endometritis were equal (6%). In both groups, the proportion of women who experienced postoperative fever remained the same.
Conclusion: Postoperative vaginal cleaning with povidone can be used effectively to reduce the rates of endometritis and wound infection. It should be considered in combination with other approaches to enhance outcomes, particularly in patients with risk factors.
Keywords: Caesarean Section (CS); Wound Infection
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