Aqueous vs Alcohol Chlorhexidine Skin Preparation for Prevention of Cesarean Section Wound Infections

A Randomized Control Trial of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Aqueous Solution vs Chlorhexidine Gluconate With Isopropyl Alcohol Skin Preparations for Prevention of Cesarean Section Wound Infections

This will be a single-center randomized control trial comparing the efficacy of two different formulations of Chlorhexidine surgical skin preparation in preventing cesarean section wound infections. Participants will be randomized to either 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate aqueous solution (CHG) or 2% Chlorhexidine with isopropyl alcohol (CHG-IPA) 70% to examine the risk of infectious morbidity in those undergoing cesarean delivery. There will also be a cost-effectiveness analysis of the two preoperative skin preparations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women undergoing cesarean delivery at Magee Women's Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to obtain consent (language barrier, emergency cesarean section etc.)
• Allergy to chlorhexidine or alcohol
• Chorioamnionitis
• Emergency cesareans where cannot wait for chlorhexidine alcohol to dry
• bowel injury at time of cesarean section
• Women who are delivered at another institution and are transferred postpartum to Magees Women's Hospital