COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SHAVING AND  DEPILATORY CREAM FOR HAIR REMOVAL IN INGUINAL HERNIA SURGICAL SITE PREPARATION

Dr Manish Bansal; Gp capt G S Sethi

Volume : VI, Issue : II, February - 2016

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SHAVING AND DEPILATORY CREAM FOR HAIR REMOVAL IN INGUINAL HERNIA SURGICAL SITE PREPARATION

Dr Manish Bansal, Gp Capt G S Sethi

Abstract :

Introduction: Hair interferes with exposure of incision, suturing and wound dressings. Hair removal is thought to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. Three methods of hair removal are used: shaving, clipping and chemical depilation. Aims and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate shaving and depilatory cream for hair removal in inguinal hernia surgical site preparation and to compare incidence of surgical site infection, safety, time needed and cost of hair removal. Material and methods: The study was a prospective & comparative study carried out on 100 patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgical repair at Command Hospital (WC), Chandimandir. Patients were randomized into two groups, i.e., razor shaving group and depilatory cream group. Results: 9 patients (9%) had surgical site infection including 1(2%) in depilatory cream group and 8(16%) in razor group. Infection was significantly associated with razor than depilatory cream.