CompletedNot Applicable

DACC in the REduction of Surgical Site INfection

United Kingdom722 participantsStarted 2017-01-19

Plain-language summary

Surgical site infection is an infection at a place in the body where surgery has taken place, and has been reported in around 5% of people undergoing an operation. In vascular surgery, infection rates are as high as 30%. Methods to reduce this rate of infection should be investigated thoroughly for their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The investigators aim to conduct a research trial examining one such method. Leukomed Sorbact is a wound dressing coated with a chemical (DACC) derived from spider-silk that interacts with, and binds bacteria, causing them to be mechanically removed from a wound when the dressing is changed. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of this dressing to a standard, non-coated dressing, in the reduction of surgical site infection. 718 patients from a number of centres across the UK will be recruited to this study. Adult patients who are having a vascular surgery operation will be approached for entry into the trial. The trial will be explained to them, as well as an explanation that participation is voluntary and their operation or other aspects of their care will not be impacted in any way should participants not wish to participate. Participants will be randomised by computer into one of two groups - one group whose wounds are dressed with Leukomed Sorbact, and the other whose wounds are dressed with a standard dressing. Patients will be followed up at 30 days post-operatively. At the follow up, their wounds will be inspected for infection, and participants will be asked to complete short questionnaires measuring quality of life. Quality of life will also be assessed at 3 months post surgery. The trial will aim to answer a number of questions, with the primary question being does a DACC coated dressing applied after an operation reduce the risk of an infection at the surgery site? It will also ask whether this treatment is cost-effective and whether it promotes satisfactory healing and evaluate the overall carbon footprint impact of each intervention. Studies Within a Trial will be conducted to validate a remote diagnostic measure for detecting surgical site infection using wound images and the Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire, evaluate feasibility of novel hair removal methods such as epilation and waxing, carbon footprint modelling within randomised controlled trials.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: In order to be eligible for inclusion in the study the participants must meet the following criteria: * Adults ≥18 yrs undergoing clean or clean-contaminated lower limb vascular surgery, with wounds closed by primary intention. * Able to understand the Patient Information Sheet and supplementary materials and capable and willing to give informed consent and follow the protocol requirements (including attending all follow-up visits and completing written questionnaires). Exclusion Criteria: Patients will not be included in the study if they meet any of the following exclusion criteria: * Patients on antibiotics for other conditions at the time of surgery or in the follow up period. * Patients undergoing any procedure that does not include lower limb incisions. * Allergies to any component of either the DACC-coated dressing or the control dressing. * Inability to give informed consent due to incapacity (as defined by the MCA 2005) * Aged under 18 years at the time of recruitment * Use of investigational drug/device therapy within preceding 4 weeks that may interfere with this study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

30 day infection rate

Timeframe: 30 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02992951

SponsorHull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Infection, Bacterial trials