A multivariant analysis of the value of the use of a pre-operative topical antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the incidence of post-operative wound complications in 106 consecutive patients undergoing head and neck surgery involving the oral cavity or oropharynx was carried out at the University of Iowa, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery. An oral presentation employing povidone-iodine solution was used for 43 patients. The remaining 63 patients studied received no oral presentation. Unfavourable wound outcome was not associated with age, sex, presence and condition of teeth, or serious pre-existing medical illnesses. A significant correlation was found between post-operative wound breakdown and type of closure, stage of disease, and previous operation or radiotherapy. The use of an oral preparation correlated significantly with favourable wound outcome independent of all other variables (p < 0.01). Our data support the use of a topical antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the incidence of post-operative wound complications in surgery of the oral cavity and oropharynx.