ABSTRACT: Surgical site preparation involves removing debris and microorganisms from the dermal surface and reducing the risk of surgical site infection occurring. It has been noted in many studies that most veterinary practices could improve their skin preparation protocols prior to surgery. This article will discuss the protocols of best practice in carrying out surgical site preparation, including the removal of hair, the surgical preparation solutions and their dilution rates, the initial scrub and final skin preparation once the patient has been transported to the operating theatre. It will also outline surgical site preparation for more delicate mucous-membrane areas; such as ocular and oral surgeries.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Courtney Scales for your guidance with my first submission.

Author

Zoe Jane Curtis BSc (Hons) CertVN ECC RVN

Zoe qualified from Middlesex University in 2015. She worked as Head RVN for four years and completed her ECC certificate with VetsNow in 2018. Zoe started as a Theatre RVN at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in 2019 and has developed an interest in ophthalmic surgery

Email: zcurtis@rvc.ac.uk

DOI: 10.1080/17415349.2021.1931604

Keywords: surgical site infection (SSI); surgical preparation solution; surgical skin
preparation; cross-contamination; chlorhexidine gluconate; povidone-iodine

To cite this article:  Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 36 (09) • September 2021 pp276-280

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