Gut bugs on the move? new study tracks Bacteria's journey to surgical wounds

NCT ID NCT03554148

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is observing 209 adults undergoing planned abdominal surgery to understand how bacteria might travel from the gut to cause surgical site infections. Researchers collect samples (skin, rectal, blood, and tissue biopsies) during surgery and use DNA sequencing to track bacterial movement. The goal is to see if bacterial DNA in the liver or lymph nodes is linked to later wound infections.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help identify ways to predict or prevent surgical site infections after abdominal surgery.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly test any new drug or intervention, so any insights may take years to translate into clinical practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Visceral Surgery Department

Bern, 3008, Switzerland

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