Comparing irrigation versus no irrigation for treating simple lacerations
Official title: The Irrigation or No Irrigation in Simple Lacerations Trials
Run by Université de Sherbrooke · NCT02976480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if cleaning simple cuts in the emergency room helps prevent infections better than not cleaning them for adults with these types of injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Université de Sherbrooke Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicoutimi, Quebec) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 2017 |
| Main results expected | February 2025 |
| Study ends | February 22, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02976480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 or older with clean and simple lacerations that can be repaired within 18 hours of injury.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with complex lacerations, those involving significant anatomical structures, or those with infections or foreign bodies will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether irrigating simple lacerations in the emergency department affects the rate of subsequent infections compared to not irrigating them. It is a double-blind randomized controlled non-inferiority study involving adult patients presenting with clean and simple lacerations. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an irrigation or non-irrigation group, and the rates of infection and patient satisfaction regarding aesthetic appearance will be assessed post-repair. The study seeks to determine if the current practice of irrigation is necessary or if it can be safely omitted, potentially saving time and resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more efficient treatment protocols for simple lacerations, reducing unnecessary procedures and costs for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited data on the necessity of irrigation for simple lacerations, this study's approach is novel and aims to fill a gap in current clinical guidelines.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 or older * repair within 18 hours from time of injury * repair done by the emergency room physician or trainee * clean and simple lacerations (clean edge with no gross contamination, as assessed by the treating physician) Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant patients * involving tendons, muscles, fascias, articulations * located on the ear, nose or distal to metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint * immunosuppressed (neutropenia, chronic corticotherapy, HIV, immunosuppressive therapy within 3 months) * bite wounds * lacerations with any loss of substance * lacerations with foreign body * complex lacerations (crush, stellate) * grossly contaminated
Where it's running
-
CIUSSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Hôpital de Chicoutimi
Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julien Bouchard, MD, CCFP(EM) — Université de Sherbrooke
- Study coordinator: Julien Bouchard, MD, CCFP(EM)
- Email: julien.bouchard@usherbrooke.ca
- Phone: 418-541-1000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.