This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining 10% povidone-iodine with 125 mg rifampicin for preoperative scalp antisepsis in hair transplantation procedures. The study was conducted in a private hair transplantation clinic between December 2021 and May 2022. A total of 65 adult patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group (n=34), which received the combined povidone-iodine plus rifampicin protocol, and the control group (n=31), which received povidone-iodine alone as the standard preoperative antisepsis protocol. Data collection included the use of standardized forms, intraoperative and postoperative observation records, and photographic documentation. Follow-up assessments were performed on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. The primary aim of the study was to assess the potential of this combined antiseptic protocol to improve wound care and infection prevention practices in hair transplantation surgery.
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the combined use of povidone-iodine and rifampicin for scalp antisepsis in hair transplantation. The study employed a randomized controlled design, involving adult patients undergoing elective hair transplantation procedures. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving the combined antisepsis protocol or a control group receiving standard povidone-iodine alone. The inclusion criteria included patients over 18 years of age, undergoing elective hair transplantation, and providing informed consent. Exclusion criteria included hypersensitivity to the antiseptic agents or active dermatological conditions on the scalp. The antiseptic agents were applied preoperatively before the transplantation procedure. Patients were monitored postoperatively at scheduled intervals, and the antisepsis process was documented using standardized photographic assessments. The total sample included 65 patients. The study duration involved approximately 14 days of follow-up. No interim analysis was conducted. The study protocol was approved by the Bahcesehir University Clinical Research Ethics Committee. This clinical protocol aims to contribute to the evidence base regarding the use of combination antiseptic protocols in minor surgical procedures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
65
Preoperative skin antisepsis performed with 10% povidone-iodine solution according to standard surgical preparation guidelines before hair transplantation.
Preoperative skin antisepsis performed with a combination of 10% povidone-iodine and rifampicin solution according to study-specific preparation guidelines before hair transplantation.
Bahcesehir University, School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing
Istanbul, Besiktas, Turkey (Türkiye)
Postoperative wound infection rate
Incidence of clinically diagnosed postoperative wound infection, defined by the presence of redness, swelling, tenderness, purulent discharge, or positive bacterial culture, following hair transplantation procedures. Infection will be confirmed based on clinical examination by a qualified physician.
Time frame: Within 14 days post-operation
Wound healing time
Number of days required for complete epithelialization of the donor and recipient sites, assessed by visual inspection and patient report. Complete epithelialization is defined as the absence of open wound areas and formation of intact skin.
Time frame: Assessed daily until complete epithelialization, up to 14 days post-operation.
Postoperative pain score
Pain intensity reported by the patient using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain) at donor and recipient sites.
Time frame: 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days post-operation.
Postoperative erythema score
Degree of redness at the donor and recipient sites, scored by the investigator using a standardized erythema grading scale (0-3, where 0 = none, 3 = severe).
Time frame: 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days post-operation.
Incidence of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions
Number of patients developing localized or systemic hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, anaphylaxis) following application of antiseptic solutions.
Time frame: Within 14 days post-operation.
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