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Mechanical and Chemical Preparation of the Abdomen and Vagina

  • Chapter
Strategies in Gynecologic Surgery

Part of the book series: Clinical Perspectives in Obstetrics and Gynecology ((CPOG))

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Abstract

Disruption of the tissue integrity of the abdominal or vaginal walls exposes the patient to colonization and possible infection by bacterial agents from her own flora or the surrounding environment. It is currently estimated that over 300,000 postoperative wound infections occur annually in the United States.1 When infection occurs, wound healing is impaired. This complication not only results in a less favorable cosmetic result but increases the risks of wound disruption and generalized sepsis. The occurrence of a wound infection prolongs the duration of hospitalization by a factor of two with an attendant increase in medical care costs.2 These findings are among the reasons why renewed emphasis is being placed upon preparation of the abdomen and vagina in an effort to decrease postoperative morbidity. This chapter will address the rationale and methodology of preparation of the abdomen and vagina for gynecologic procedures.

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Authors
  1. Leslie A. Walton
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  2. Vicki V. Baker
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh—Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA

    Herbert J. Buchsbaum M.D.

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, USA

    Leslie A. Walton M.D.

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© 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Walton, L.A., Baker, V.V. (1986). Mechanical and Chemical Preparation of the Abdomen and Vagina. In: Buchsbaum, H.J., Walton, L.A. (eds) Strategies in Gynecologic Surgery. Clinical Perspectives in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4924-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4924-5_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9361-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-4924-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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