Comparing Povidone-iodine and Saline for Preventing Infections in Colorectal Surgery

Intraoperative Irrigation of the Surgical Incision With Povidone-iodine vs Saline Solution in Colorectal Surgeries and Its Effects on the Surgical Site Infection

Phase 3 Interventional Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre · NCT06302335

This study is testing whether using povidone-iodine or saline to clean surgical cuts can help prevent infections in patients having colorectal surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment228 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul)
Trial IDNCT06302335 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of povidone-iodine versus saline solution in reducing surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing colorectal resections. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either povidone-iodine or saline for irrigation of their surgical incisions during the procedure. The study will take place at a large university hospital in Southern Brazil, where standard care routines will remain unchanged. The outcomes of both groups will be compared to determine which irrigation method is more effective in preventing SSI.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with benign or malignant colorectal diseases scheduled for elective colectomy or proctectomy.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those under 18, those undergoing emergency surgeries, or those with known allergies to iodine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved infection prevention strategies in colorectal surgeries, enhancing patient recovery and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying results regarding the effectiveness of povidone-iodine in surgical settings, making this approach both relevant and necessary to explore further.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients older than 18 years of age diagnosed with benign or malignant colorectal diseases undergoing elective open or video-assisted colectomy or proctectomy (resection) at the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - Division of Coloproctology.

Exclusion Criteria:

* age under 18;
* surgery classified as dirty;
* urgent/emergency surgery;
* patients undergoing multi-visceral resections (pelvic exenteration or partial resection of any adjacent organ);
* known allergy to iodine.

Where this trial is running

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

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 Infectionsurgical site infectioncolorectal surgey
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.