Decolonization to Reduce After-Surgery Events of Surgical Site Infection

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE · Oct 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The DECREASE SSI Trial is a research study aimed at preventing infections that can occur after surgery on the colon or small intestine. The trial is comparing two different ways to care for patients after they leave the hospital. One group will use a special antibacterial soap and nasal ointment for 30 days, while the other group will use regular soap and a placebo ointment (which has no active ingredients). This study hopes to help the many patients who have this type of surgery each year by finding simple and effective ways to reduce the risk of infections after they go home.

To participate in this trial, you must be 18 years or older and have had open surgery with an abdominal incision in the last 14 days. You should also be able to communicate by phone and take care of your bathing needs, either by yourself or with help. If you are allergic to the study medications, have a current serious infection, or were discharged more than 14 days after surgery, you would not be eligible. Participants can expect close monitoring and support throughout the study period, helping to ensure their safety and well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years of age or older
• • Recent open (not solely laparoscopic) surgery involving an abdominal incision within the past 14 days. For cesarean section, recruitment restricted to BMI ≥ 40.
• • Able to communicate regularly by phone
• • Able to bathe, shower or have this task performed by a caregiver
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Transfer to an acute care hospital
• • Discharged to receive end-of-life hospice measures
• • Discharged more than 14 days after surgery
• • Allergic to mupirocin and/or chlorhexidine
• • Active infection at enrollment\*
• • \*Refers to
• • 1. Infections requiring systemic antibacterial agents, so viral illness (e.g., COVID, flu) is not an exclusion.
• • 2. Topical antibacterial agents do not count toward exclusion (e.g., topical products for acne)
• • 3. Prophylactic antibacterial agents do not count toward exclusion
• • Surgical incision not closed at discharge