Using antibiotics to flush drains for abdominal abscesses

Antibiotic Irrigations for Intra-Abdominal Drains

PHASE2 · University of Iowa · NCT03476941

This study tests if using stronger antibiotics to clean drains in patients with abdominal abscesses can help them recover faster and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa (other)
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT03476941 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of irrigating intra-abdominal drains with a higher concentration of antibiotics, specifically Gentamicin and Clindamycin, compared to normal saline in patients with abdominal abscesses. Participants will have their drains irrigated twice daily for up to seven days while receiving systemic antibiotics. The study aims to evaluate the impact on the duration of systemic antibiotic treatment and monitor changes in white blood cell counts and temperature. The goal is to determine if local antibiotic irrigation can improve clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with intra-abdominal abscesses who require drain placement and are receiving systemic antibiotics.

Not a fit: Patients with abscesses that cannot be treated with image-guided drain placement will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatment of abdominal abscesses and reduced reliance on systemic antibiotics.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using local antibiotic irrigation is being tested here, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Intra-abdominal abscess drained with catheter/drain
* Treatment with systemic antibiotics
* Able to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Abscess(es) not amendable for an image guided drain placement.

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Abdominal Abscess

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.