Comparing saline and chlorhexidine for wound irrigation after cesarean delivery

Wound Irrigation With Saline Versus Hypodilute-chlorhexidine After Cesarean Section: a Randomized Clinical Trial (WISHES Study)

Not applicable Interventional Loma Linda University · NCT06339203

This study is testing whether using saline or a special antiseptic solution helps wounds heal better after a cesarean delivery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorLoma Linda University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
Trial IDNCT06339203 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the effects of normal saline and a low concentration of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Irrisept) for wound irrigation in patients who have undergone cesarean delivery. It is an open-label, randomized controlled trial designed to assess postoperative wound healing outcomes. The study will enroll participants who meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and certain medical complications, and will be conducted at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older, undergoing planned cesarean deliveries with specific medical complications.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency cesarean deliveries will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve postoperative wound healing and reduce infection rates in cesarean delivery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar irrigation techniques, but this specific comparison of saline versus low-concentration chlorhexidine is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older
* Singleton pregnancy
* Planned cesarean delivery at gestational age 37 weeks or later at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
* Planned post-operative follow up with Loma Linda OBGYN
* Speak English or Spanish
* At least one of the following medical complications: Obesity BMI\>= 30kg/m2, Diabetes, Spontaneous rupture of membranes, Intraamniotic infection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency cesarean delivery

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 Cesarean Section ComplicationsCesarean SectionInfection
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.