Improving respiratory care for patients having high-risk abdominal surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The PENGUIN trial is a pragmatic, multi-center, randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effects of pre-operative chlorhexidine mouthwash and varying levels of oxygen on the rates of pneumonia and surgical site infections in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups to assess the impact of these interventions on post-operative complications. The study focuses on patients from low and middle-income countries, where the risk of surgical complications is significantly higher. By implementing these interventions, the trial seeks to improve surgical outcomes and reduce healthcare-associated infections.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults and children aged 10 years or over
* Elective or emergency abdominal surgery via midline laparotomy with an anticipated abdominal incision of at least 5cm in length
* Written informed consent of patient (signature or a fingerprint)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing caesarean section
* Patients with a documented or suspected allergy to chlorhexidine
* Patient unable to complete postoperative follow-up (not contactable after discharge)
* Previous enrolment in PENGUIN within the past 30 days
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade V patients (expected to die with or without surgery)

Where it's running

• Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - UNESP
  Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil Recruiting
• Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre
  Porto Alegre, Brazil Recruiting
• Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceicao
  Porto Alegre, Brazil Recruiting
• Hospital Universitario Professor Edgar Santos/Bahia
  Salvador, Brazil Recruiting
• Hospital Sao Jose - Criciuma/SC
  São José, Brazil Recruiting
• Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre
  Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rupert Pearse — Royal London Hospital
• Study coordinator: Divya Kapoor
• Email: penguin@trials.bham.ac.uk
• Phone: 01214159127

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.