Simple wound wash could slash surgery infections, major trial hints

NCT ID NCT04548661

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether washing surgical incisions with an antiseptic (povidone-iodine) or salt water before closing them can prevent infections. Over 2,700 adults having abdominal or groin surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups: irrigation with povidone-iodine, irrigation with saline, or no irrigation. The main goal was to see if either irrigation method reduced surgical site infections within 30 days. If effective, this simple step could become a standard practice worldwide.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: povidone-iodine solution
What this could lead to: If it works, this simple, low-cost step could become standard practice to prevent surgical site infections, benefiting millions of patients.
What could go wrong: The trial is completed but results are not yet widely known. The effect may be small or not apply to all surgeries. Infection rates depend on many factors.

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

Hamilton Health Sciences - Juravinski Hospital

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Health Sciences North

Greater Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 5J1, Canada
Kingston Health Sciences Centre

Kingston, Ontario, Canada
London Health Sciences Centre

London, Ontario, Canada
Mackenzie Health

Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
North York General Hospital

North York, Ontario, M2K 1E1, Canada
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Shared Health Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9, Canada
St. Joseph's Health Centre

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
St. Michael's Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
The Ottawa Hospital

Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

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