April is International Caesarean Awareness Month dedicated to raising awareness about caesarean sections (CS). The month focuses on the importance of education for both patients and healthcare providers. It’s particularly significant in the UK, where the latest NHS data shows that 45% of births in England were by CS [NHS Digital, 2025]. This compares to just 9% in 1980, [Wloch, 2020].
The increase in elective CS may have been accelerated by recent NICE Guidance on Caesarean Birth (2024). This recommends that women who request an MRCS (Maternal Request Caesarean Section) should be able to give birth this way.
Whilst most Caesarean deliveries are without complications, it’s estimated that up to 16% of women giving birth this way will experience a surgical site infection (SSI), [Health Innovation, W England, 2023]. Post-caesarean SSI causes additional stress for a new mother. It may extend the period of hospitalisation by 4 days, and cost an additional £3,173 per patient, [Stanirowski, 2016].
Yet surgical site infections have been described as “the most preventable” healthcare associated infection, [Leaper, 2015] and it’s estimated that around 60% of SSIs could be prevented, [Collins, 2019].
As part of schülke’s commitment to improving infection prevention, we have produced a range of evidence-based, educational resources for healthcare professionals (HCPs).
Caesarean Section Surgical Site Infection Prevention Brochure
Please click the front to download this free brochure with practical advice about reducing the risk of SSIs after C-section.
Our online courses are designed to improve understanding and management of CS related SSIs.
Reducing surgical site infections in Caesarean Sections – this evidence-based course provides information on C-sections and SSIs. It includes prevention and management considerations.
Reducing the risk of SSI during C-section procedures – joining the dots – is based on a recent webinar hosted by WoundsUK and features a number of expert guest speakers.
Octenidine
Octenidine is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with no reports of emerging resistance patterns or negative side effects [Schaumberg, 2024].
It is effective within a short contact time at low concentrations, [Assadian, 2016]; and is the only antiseptic that remains active locally for up to 48 hours, [Malanovic 2020].
The octenidine-containing range
octenilin® wound gel effectively moisturises and cleans wounds to support the natural healing process.
octenisan® wash lotion for mild and gentle whole body washing against MDRO.
octenisan® wash mitts are ready-to-use for cleaning and care of the skin; also for MDRO decontamination.
octenicare® repair creme contains panthenol to support the natural regeneration of the skin and is suitable for epithelialised wounds.
References
Assadian O. Octenidine dihydrochloride: chemical characteristics and antimicrobial properties. J Wound Care. 2016;25(3 Suppl):S3-S6. doi:10.12968/jowc.2016.25.Sup3.S3
Collins CR, Wick EC. Reflections on the Complexity of Surgical Site Infection Prevention and Detection from an Organizational Lens. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2019;20(7):577-580. doi:10.1089/sur.2019.135
Health Innovation, West of England, Preventing Caesarean Birth Surgical Site Infection, 2023
https://www.healthinnowest.net/our-work/transforming-services-and-systems/preventing-surgical-site-infections/reducing-surgical-site-infection-caesarean-birth/
Accessed 260325
Leaper D. An overview of surgical site infection Review. Wounds UK, EWMA SPECIAL, 2015 p 14-19
Malanovic N, Ön A, Pabst G, Zellner A, Lohner K. Octenidine: Novel insights into the detailed killing mechanism of Gram-negative bacteria at a cellular and molecular level. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2020;56(5):106146.
NHS Digital Maternity services monthly statistics
https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/maternity-services-monthly-statistics/final-december-2024-provisional-january-2025-official-statistics#summary
Accessed 260325
NICE guideline: Caesarean birth
Published: 31 March 2021
Last updated: 30 January 2024
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192
Accessed 260325
Wloch C, Van Hoek AJ, Green N, et al. Cost-benefit analysis of surveillance for surgical site infection following caesarean section BMJ Open 2020;10:e036919.
Schaumburg T, Köhler N, Breitenstein Y, Kolbe-Busch S, Hasenclever D, Chaberny IF. EFFECT of daily antiseptic bathing with octenidine on ICU-acquired bacteremia and ICU-acquired multidrug-resistant organisms: a multicenter, cluster-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Intensive Care Med. 2024;50(12):2073-2082.
Stanirowski PJ, Bizoń M, Cendrowski K, Sawicki W. Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloride Impregnated Dressings for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Adult Women Undergoing Cesarean Section. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2016;17(4):427-435.
