Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Use of a Taurolidine Containing Antimicrobial Wash to Reduce Prosthetic Device Infection After Trauma Surgery

This study explored whether a special cleaning liquid, called Taurolidine, could reduce infections after operations that involve putting metal parts into the body. This includes fixing broken bones with plates, screws, or nails, and fitting new joints like hips or knees. The researchers observed patients who had this wash used during their surgery between January 2022 and October 2023. They wanted to see if using Taurolidine made infections less likely in the three months after the operation. The study also looked at any side effects from the wash and other problems that might happen during or after surgery. This information helps doctors understand better ways to keep patients safe from infection after these types of operations.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Kiel

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2022

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2030

Osteosynthesis Infection Prevention

What is this study about?

Imagine you're having an operation to fix a broken bone, and the surgeon needs to use metal parts like plates or screws to help it heal. Or perhaps you're having a new hip or knee joint fitted. When metal parts are put into your body, there's always a small chance of getting an infection. This study looked into a special liquid called Taurolidine, which is like an antiseptic wash.

During certain operations, doctors used this Taurolidine wash to clean the area very thoroughly and wipe all the metal parts before they were put into your body. The main goal was to see if using this wash could help prevent serious infections from developing in the first three months after surgery. A serious infection here would mean needing another operation, taking antibiotics for a long time, or, in very rare sad cases, even leading to death.

The study also kept an eye out for any infections that might happen later on, beyond three months, and any problems the wash itself might cause. They also checked for other surgical problems, like bruising or nerve issues. This kind of research is really important because preventing infections can make a huge difference to how well you recover after surgery and your overall health.

Key takeaways

The study investigated a wash called Taurolidine to prevent surgery infections.
It focused on operations using metal implants for bones or joints.
The main aim was to see if Taurolidine lowered serious infection rates.
Data was collected from routine surgeries between Jan 2022 and Oct 2023.
Researchers also checked for any side effects or other problems.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in a study like this if you are having surgery that involves putting metal parts into your body. This could be to fix a broken bone with plates, screws, or nails, or having a joint replacement such as a new hip or knee.

However, you wouldn't be able to take part if you are under 18 years old. Also, if you're not able to give your clear agreement to join the study, or if you can't have the specific surgical procedure being studied, then you wouldn't be eligible. It's always best to chat with your doctor to see if a study like this is right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you having surgery to fix a broken bone with metal parts (like plates or screws)?
Are you having a joint replacement (like a new hip or knee)?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Can you clearly understand and agree to your medical information being used for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you were part of this study, you wouldn't have had to do anything extra. This was because the study simply observed what happened to patients who already had the Taurolidine wash used during their routine bone or joint surgery. You wouldn't have been given any special medication other than the wash during your operation and any standard antibiotics your hospital would normally give.

After your surgery, doctors would have simply kept track of your health, looking for any signs of infection in the three months immediately following, and sometimes for longer. They would also note down any side effects or other complications that might have occurred. Essentially, your participation meant your doctors would collect information about your recovery, but it wouldn't have changed your normal hospital visits, assessments, or follow-up care.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of using Taurolidine is that it might help reduce the risk of infection after operations involving metal implants, leading to a smoother recovery and fewer complications like the need for more surgery or long courses of antibiotics. As this was an observational study, you wouldn't have received any treatment outside of standard care. Therefore, there are no additional risks specific to being in this study beyond the normal risks of your surgery. You always have the right to withdraw your permission for your health information to be used in a study at any time, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Helios Cuxhaven
Verified postcode
Cuxhaven, Germany

Common questions

What is Taurolidine?

Taurolidine is a special liquid used during surgery, like an antiseptic wash, to help clean the area and prevent germs from causing infections.

Why was this study done?

The study was done to see if using the Taurolidine wash during operations that involve metal implants (like plates or new joints) could help lower the chance of getting a serious infection afterwards.

What kind of operations did this study look at?

It focused on operations where metal parts are used to fix bones, such as plates, screws, or new hip/knee joints.

Did I have to do anything special to be in this study?

No, if you were part of this study, it just meant your medical information was looked at if you had already received the Taurolidine wash during your normal surgery.

What was a 'major infection' in this study?

A major infection meant needing another operation, long-term antibiotics, or in very rare cases, the infection sadly led to death.