Comparing diluted povidone-iodine and saline to reduce surgical site infections

Wound Irrigation and Peritoneal Lavage With Diluted Aqueous Povidone-Iodine Compared to Saline to Decrease Surgical Site Infections

Phase 3 Interventional Loma Linda University · NCT06363877

This study is testing whether using diluted povidone-iodine instead of saline during surgery can help prevent infections in patients having emergency abdominal surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLoma Linda University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
Trial IDNCT06363877 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of diluted aqueous povidone-iodine compared to normal saline for intraoperative wound irrigation and peritoneal lavage in patients undergoing emergency laparotomies. The study will enroll 1100 patients aged 18 to 80 with CDC class 2 and 3 wounds, assessing both the reduction of surgical site infections and the safety of the povidone-iodine solution. Participants will be followed for 18 months, with evaluations up to 30 days post-surgery to monitor outcomes and any adverse events.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 undergoing exploratory laparotomy for CDC class II and III wounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have iodine allergies, or preoperative infections will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of surgical site infections in patients undergoing emergency laparotomies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with povidone-iodine in reducing infections, but this specific approach is being evaluated for the first time in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 80 years of age
* undergoing an exploratory laparotomy for Centers for Disease Control class II and III wounds

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Preoperative abdominal wall skin/soft tissue infection
* Iodine allergy
* Patients unlikely to survive beyond 30 days
* Patients with mesh placement or placement of a foreign body except for drains

Where this trial is running

Loma Linda, California

Study contacts

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 Surgical Site InfectionIntraoperative Wound IrrigationIntraoperative Peritoneal LavagePovidone-IodineNormal SalineExploratory LaparotomyClean Contaminated WoundsContaminated Wounds
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.