Simple shower routine after colon surgery may slash infection risk

NCT ID NCT05586776

First seen Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether using an antiseptic body wash and a nasal antibiotic ointment for 30 days after colon or small bowel surgery can prevent surgical site infections. About 2,700 adults who had open abdominal surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either the antiseptic regimen or a placebo. The goal is to find a simple, low-cost way to reduce infections after hospital discharge.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
4% chlorhexidine gluconate and 2% mupirocin
What this could lead to
If effective, this simple at-home regimen could significantly reduce infections after colon or small bowel surgery, improving recovery and lowering healthcare costs.
What could go wrong
This is a single trial, and results may not apply to all surgeries. The regimen requires daily adherence, and some people may have skin irritation or allergic reactions.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SURGICAL SITE INFECTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

    RECRUITING

    Newport Beach, California, 92663, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University of California, Davis Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University of California, Irvine Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Orange, California, 92868, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University of California, San Francisco Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.