Randomized controlled trial of the effect of 30% versus 80% fraction of inspired oxygen on cesarean delivery surgical site infection.

Objective: To determine if supplemental perioperative oxygen will reduce surgical site infection (SSI) following cesarean delivery.

Methods: This is a randomized, controlled trial evaluating SSI following either 30% or 80% fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) during and 2 hours after cesarean delivery. Anesthesia providers administered FIO2 via a high-flow oxygen blender. Subjects, surgeons, and wound evaluation teams were blinded. Serial wound evaluations were performed. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models, Fisher exact test, and t test.

Results: In all, 179 women were randomized, and 160 subjects were included in the analysis. There were 12/83 (14.5%) SSIs in the control group versus 10/77 (13.0%) in the investigational group (p = 0.82). Caucasian race, increased body mass index, and longer operative time were identified as significant risk factors for infection (p = 0.026, odds ratio 0.283; p = 0.05, odds ratio = 1.058; p = 0.037, odds ratio = 1.038, respectively).

Conclusions: Perioperative oxygenation with 80% Fio2 is not effective in reducing SSI following cesarean delivery.