Comparing saline irrigation and povidone-iodine for preventing infections in emergency surgeries

Outcomes of High-volume Saline Irrigation VS Povidone-Iodine Solution Cleaning of Intraoperative Incision Wound in Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Emergency Laparotomies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Dow University of Health Sciences · NCT05989386

This study is testing whether using saline irrigation or a povidone-iodine solution before closing surgical incisions can better prevent infections in patients having emergency surgeries.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorDow University of Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT05989386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-volume saline irrigation versus povidone-iodine solution in preventing superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing emergency laparotomies. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either saline irrigation or conventional closure without irrigation before their incisions are closed. The study will measure the incidence of SSIs and the length of hospital stays following the interventions. By comparing these two methods, the trial seeks to identify the more effective approach for reducing infection rates in surgical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-60 undergoing emergency laparotomy at the specified hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, immune suppression, or recent abdominal surgeries will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy under the care of surgical-6 unit of Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi

  * The age of patients should be between 18-60 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diabetic patients
* Immune-suppressed patients
* Patients taking steroids
* Patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy.
* Pregnant females
* Previous abdominal surgery within the last 30 days.
* Presence of concurrent abdominal wall infections.
* Trauma Laparotomies
* Large Bowel perforations

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

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 WoundSurgical IncisionEmergency LaparotomiesLaparotomiesPost Operative Wound InfectionWound InfectionSeroma
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.