J Visc Surg
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Surgical site infections (SSI) are a public health issue. The purpose of this review is to review the literature on methods of pre-operative skin preparation for the prevention of SSI in abdominal surgery. ⋯ Some recommendations on skin preparation before abdominal surgery to reduce the rate of SSI are based on a high level of evidence. Other recommendations such as the number and duration of pre-operative showers or use of adhesive plastic skin drapes are less well supported.