Chlorhexidine vs Povidone Iodine Vaginal Prep in Decreasing Postoperative Infection in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

This is a randomized control trial which will randomize patients who will be undergoing laparoscopic (conventional or robotic assisted) total hysterectomy to vaginal prep with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate vs 10% povidone iodine. There is paucity of information regarding the superiority of one over the other.

This is a randomized control trial. During surgery, preoperative vaginal prep is routinely done for hysterectomies. This can be completed with 10% povidone iodine or with 4% chlorhexidine preparation. This study will investigate whether the routine use of betadine vaginal prep in comparison to chlorhexidine prep is superior. Patients will be informed of the study at the time of their preoperative visit in the gynecology clinic at time of surgical scheduling. The attached informed consent sheet will be given to the patient for their signature. The patients will be randomized to receive either 10% povidone iodine or with 4% chlorhexidine vaginal preparation solution. This is not anticipated to take extra time or resources in the operating room setting because the surgical vaginal preparation solutions are typically readily available in the operating room setting. The patients will be assigned an envelope when they are in clinic after they have signed the consent form and that will be the group they are randomized to. Once the patients are randomized, it is anticipated that 50 patients will be enrolled in each study arm. Following randomization patients will receive the vaginal preparation per the randomization assignment. The patient will be blinded to the study arm. The provider will not be blinded. Follow-up will occur on postoperative day #1 by phone call, and at the 2-week and 6-week follow-up visits.