Abstract Background: Septoplasty is one of the most common and basic procedures in ear, nose and throat surgery. Due to the presence of several resident organisms and their proximity to vital regions of the head and neck, any infection in this region is of special importance. Implementation of optimal preparation (Prep) of the surgery site has been widely accepted as the most important inhibiting factor for post surgical infection in all branches of surgery including ENT, so we decided to study the effects of preoperative prep on the incidence of post operative infections. Materials and method: This study was conducted as a clinical trial on septoplasty candidates chosen among patients visiting the ENT clinic of Boo Ali and Taleghani hospitals during the years 1997 - 2005. 150 candidates were chosen (78 as cases and 72 as the control group) according to order of visit. Preoperative prep was omitted in all the subjects in the case group, while routine prep with Povidone –Iodine was implemented in controls. Both groups were examined for post surgical infections. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS and Fisher Exact Test. Results: In the case group were 22 females and 56 male with average age of 24.6 ± 5.1 years and in control group were 17 female and 55 male with average 25.3 ± 6.4 years. Signs of infection were observed among one patient in each group (p<0.9). Conclusion: The current study revealed no change in the incidence rate of post-op infection. It seems the sterilization and careful prep of the surgical site is not necessary for performing septoplasty and it is better to pay more attention to the surgical technique, reducing the duration of surgery, and optimizing pre and post operative care.

Keywords: Preparation, Septoplasty, Post-operation infection

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