Grant: Operating Grant: Clinical Trials Projects

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after a surgical procedure. Despite a variety of infection prevention strategies, SSIs still occur often and impose a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Intraoperative irrigation (or washing of the surgical incision before closure) may reduce SSIs, but this is uncertain. The Clinical Evaluation of Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery Utilizing Intraoperative Incisional Wound Irrigation (CLEAN Wound) Trial aims to determine if incisional wound irrigation with a povidone-iodine solution (an antiseptic) or saline (salt water solution) can reduce SSIs within 30 days of surgery compared to no wound irrigation. We have demonstrated feasibility according to pre-defined targets (i.e., enrollment, delivery of the correct intervention, and complete data collection from participants) in our pilot trial and seek funding to continue with a large, definitive trial. This grant will support the conduct of the definitive trial at 8 community and academic centres in Ontario over 3 years. The CLEAN Wound Trial will be conducted under the umbrella of the IMPACTS (Innovative, Multicentre, Patient-centred Approach to Clinical Trials in Surgery) Program; a platform of pragmatic trials that are integrated into routine clinical care, and will generate high-quality evidence to inform surgical practices to reduce SSIs; minimizing healthcare inefficiencies and improving patient outcomes.