Whether vaginal cleansing before cesarean delivery further reduces infection-related morbidity in patients already receiving parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis has been unclear. In a 2017 meta-analysis of randomized trials of this issue, vaginal cleansing reduced the incidence of endometritis whether or not preoperative antibiotics were administered, but the reduction appeared to be limited to women in labor or with ruptured membranes.
Based on these data, we perform a povidone-iodine vaginal scrub with a sponge stick for 30 seconds before cesarean delivery in women in labor or with ruptured membranes. Share your views about vaginal cleansing before cesarean delivery.
