Decolonization to prevent infections after colon and small bowel surgery
Official title: The DECREASE SSI Trial (Decolonization to Reduce After-Surgery Events of Surgical Site Infection)
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11421131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinical trial will test whether a post-discharge cleaning regimen (chlorhexidine baths and nasal antiseptic) reduces infections after colon and small bowel surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $489,929 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029005-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing open colon or small bowel (ileal/jejunal) surgery who are being discharged after operation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing these surgeries or who do not have a post-discharge infection risk may not benefit.
What this research studies
This trial will enroll patients undergoing open colon or small bowel surgery across multiple sites. Participants will receive a post-discharge decolonization regimen in addition to standard pre- and intra-operative care, and outcomes will track surgical-site infections within 30 days after discharge. The study uses a pragmatic randomized design to reflect real-world care, focusing on whether the added antiseptic steps improve recovery and quality of life. If effective, the approach could become part of routine post-discharge care to lower infection risk and related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience fewer wound infections and better recovery after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evidence suggests decolonization can reduce SSI in some settings, but this trial tests its value specifically after open abdominal surgeries in a real-world, multi-site context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Susan S. — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Huang, Susan S.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.