Tolerance of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Versus Povidone Iodine Vaginal Cleansing Solution: a Randomized Control Trial

Surgical site antisepsis is critical in preventing surgical site infections. Although chlorhexidine gluconate has proven to be superior to povidone iodine for surgical site antisepsis, povidone iodine is the only FDA-approved antiseptic solution for surgical preparation of the vagina. Many surgeons are hesitant to use chlorhexidine gluconate for preoperative vaginal cleansing due to the alcohol dissolvent present in the solutions that is implicated in a greater risk of irritation. Yet, there has been no randomized study to illustrate whether the risk of vaginal irritation is greater in chlorhexidine gluconate versus povidone iodine. Thus, the purpose of the study is to conduct a randomized control trial to compare the tolerance of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate to povidone iodine using patient-reported outcomes of vaginal or urinary symptoms. Patients will be randomized to either control or experimental, and then be given a short survey prior to and immediately after surgery, and again 24-48 hours via phone asking them about the presence and severity of vaginal dryness, burning, itchiness, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain or burning with urination.