Why is this measure widely used but cautiously recommended
“Intact skin is the best defense mechanism for preventing
microbial invasion.”1
Almost impossible with surgical interventions.
Therefore intraoperative wound irrigation is a widely adopted practice in surgical procedures, aiming to promote wound moisturization and prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSIs).2 An overwhelming majority of surgeons, approximately 97%, incorporate this technique into their interventions.3 However, despite its prevalent use, the approach remains controversial and subject to guarded recommendations and guidelines due to the complexity of the existing evidence.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledge the uncertain trade-offs between the benefits and risks associated with intraoperative antimicrobial irrigation.2,4
“Intact skin is the best defense mechanism for preventing
microbial invasion.”1
Almost impossible with surgical interventions.
Thereforeintraoperative wound irrigation is a widely adopted practice in surgical procedures, aiming to promote wound moisturization and prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSIs).2An overwhelming majority of surgeons, approximately 97%, incorporate this technique into their interventions.3However, despite its prevalent use, the approach remains controversial and subject to guarded recommendations and guidelines due to the complexity of the existing evidence.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and theCenter ofDisease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledge the uncertain trade-offs between the benefits and risks associated with intraoperative antimicrobial irrigation.2,4
| Guideline | Recommendation | Category (if mentioned) |
| CDC4 | “Consider intraoperative irrigation of deep or subcutaneous tissues with aqueous iodophor solution for the prevention of SSI.” “Intraperitoneal lavage with aqueous iodophor solution in contaminated or dirty abdominal procedures is not necessary." | Category ll |
Denise Leistenschneider, Senior Clinical Consultant
"We see the importance of surgical irrigation in its facets and always try to break new ground."
Rationale for surgical irrigation
The lack of evidence stipulates that there are no consistent recommendations for or against the usage, or the way of application for surgical irrigation.
Nevertheless surgical irrigation has it’s reason to be.
Surgical irrigation solutions are known to act as a mechanical cleanser due to their ability to:2
- thoroughly remove cellular debris, surface bacteria, and bodily fluids.
- dilute and reduce the presence of potential contaminants.
- exhibit local antimicrobial properties when appropriate agents are used.
What to avoid
Do not use antibiotics for surgical irrigation.2,6
Denise Leistenschneider, Senior Clinical Consultant
"Using pulse lavage system for surgical irrigation can contribute to reduction of revision rate in hip/knee arthroplasty7 and support the reduction of infection risk8"
Existing discrepancy between theory and practice9
“Despite the dissemination of guidelines for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention, gap between the theoretical measures and their compliance persists.”9
There is a lack of evaluation and evidence in wound irrigation but this measure is universally accepted by the surgical community resulting from common sense and clinical practice.9
Further relevance for surgical irrigation – biofilms1
Biofilms play a major role in in surgical site infections and need to be removed and managed as they are responsible for:1
- delayed wound healing
- limited penetration of antimicrobial agents
- anchorage of microorganism on the wound surface
- reduced efficacy of antibiotics
While antimicrobial solutions can be beneficial in preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI), some variations exist in their effectiveness and properties.
- Desired properties are to combat biofilms and tackle multi-drug resistant pathogens without promoting resistance.
- Furthermore, in terms of tissue toxicity and required exposure time, an antimicrobial rinse fluid should be able to exert its full effect without significant disadvantages.
- Antimicrobial fluids have become essential in countering the escalating challenges of antibiotic-resistant and pan-resistant pathogens. They offer crucial effectiveness in addressing these infections.
HARTMANN: food of thoughts
Denise Leistenschneider, Senior Clinical Consultant
"Skin microbiota is the most common source of microbes detected in prosthetic joint infections.
“Irrigation and debridement in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection serve an integral role in the eradication of bacterial burden and subsequent re-infection rates.10"
1.Percival SL, Emanuel C, Cutting KF, Williams DW. Microbiology of the skin and the role of biofilms in infection. Int Wound J 2012; 9:14–32
2.WHO (2016) Global guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection. World Health Organization 2016.
3.Whiteside OJH, et al. (2005) Intra-operative peritoneal lavage – who does it and why? Ann R Coll SurgEngl 87: 255–258.
4.CDC (1999) Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 20(4): 247–278.
5.NICE (2019) Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment. NICE guidelines. Published 11 April 2019. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng125.
6.KRINKO (2018) PräventionpostoperativerWundinfektionen. Empfehlungen der Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) beim Robert Koch-Institut. Bundesgesundheitsbl 61: 448–473.
7.Helwig T, et al. (2013) Tibial cleaning method for cemented total knee arthroplasty: An experimental study. IJOO 47: 18–22.
8.Bath MF, et al. (2021) Does pulsed lavage reduce the risk of surgical site infection? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hosp Infect 118: 32–39.
9.Badia JM, et al. (2020) The persistent breach between evidence and practice in the prevention of surgical site infection. Qualitative study. Int J Surg 82: 231–239.
10.Siddiqi A, et al. (2021) Pursuit of the ideal antiseptic irrigation solution in the management of periprosthetic joint infections. J Bone Joint Infect 6: 189–198.
In focus
Expert Advice
We are happy to answer your questions about our products, application and compatibility. Our advice covers all topics related to disinfection, hygiene and infection control.
Multidrug-resistant organisms
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are on the rise worldwide. Due to the limited treatment options for MDRO infections, hygiene management plays a key role in their prevention. Learn all about hygiene measures and effectiveness of disinfectants.
Publications
Scientists around the world work daily to identify and assess infection risks. This scientific debate is an indispensable prerequisite for increasing the safety of patients and medical staff.
Here you will find a selection of recent studies and publications...
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