Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of Hair Removal on Surgical Site Infection Rates: A Prospective Randomized Noninferiority Trial.
Despite substantial prevention efforts, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain the most common health care-associated infection. It is unclear whether the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation to leave hair intact preoperatively reduces SSIs. ⋯ Surgical site infection rates were similar whether hair was clipped or not in patients undergoing general surgical procedures.