Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical site infection (SSI) is a complication not commonly observed following craniotomy. Infections are not only associated with increased morbidity and mortality but are also incredibly burdensome to the healthcare system. METHODS In November 2013, a preoperative CHG shower protocol was mandated at our institution. A total of 3,126 surgeries were analyzed, encompassing a timeframe of April 2012 and April 2016. Cohorts before and after implementation of the CHG shower protocol were evaluated for differences in SSI rates. RESULTS The overall SSI rate was 0.6%. No significant differences (P = .11) were observed between the rate of SSI in the 892 cases pre- (0.2%) and 2,234 cases post-implementation (0.8%). Following multivariable analysis, the implementation of preoperative CHG showers was not associated with a decrease in SSI (adjusted odds ratio = 2.96 (95% CI: 0.67-13.1), P = .15). CONCLUSION This is the largest study, according to sample size, examining the effect of CHG showers on SSI following craniotomy. CHG showers did not significantly alter the risk of SSI after a cranial procedure.