Comparing chlorhexidine and saline for cleaning during colorectal cancer surgery

A Comparative Study of Chlorhexidine Versus Saline Irrigation of the Surgical Area During Colorectal Cancer Surgery: a Multicenter, Stratified Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Nanchong Central Hospital · NCT06869096

This study is testing whether using chlorhexidine instead of saline to clean the surgical area during colorectal cancer surgery can help reduce infections and complications for patients aged 18-85 with resectable tumors.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment532 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanchong Central Hospital Government
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Nanchong, Sichuan)
Trial IDNCT06869096 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate compared to saline for flushing the surgical area during colorectal cancer surgeries. It focuses on measuring outcomes such as surgical site infections and postoperative complication rates. Patients aged 18-85 with resectable colorectal tumors will be included, while those with distant metastasis or significant prior surgeries will be excluded. The intervention involves intraoperative irrigation of the surgical site with either chlorhexidine or saline.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 with surgically resectable colorectal tumors and a performance status score of 0 or 1.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastasis, significant prior abdominal surgeries, or contraindications to surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to reduced rates of surgical site infections and complications for colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with chlorhexidine in surgical settings, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged 18-85 years,
2. Patients with surgically resectable colorectal tumors confirmed by CT/MRI before surgery
3. All patients had a performance status score of 0 or 1 in the Eastern Tumor Cooperative group
4. American Society of Anesthesiology grade I-III

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The tumor may have distant metastasis
2. History of previous abdominal surgery
3. The patient has a history of other malignant tumors diagnosed in the past 5 years and has received radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the past
4. There are obvious contraindications to surgery (obvious abnormal liver and kidney function, pregnancy)
5. Participated in other clinical trials within the past 6 months

Where this trial is running

Nanchong, Sichuan

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal CancerSurgical Site InfectionChlorhexidineComplications
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.