Prospective randomised controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid as a peritoneal lavage agent to prevent surgical site infection after exploratory laparotomy for perforation peritonitis

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a frequent and serious complication

following abdominal surgeries, contributing to increased morbidity,

extended hospital stays and higher healthcare costs. Patients undergoing

exploratory laparotomy for perforation peritonitis face a heightened risk of

SSIs due to contamination of the peritoneal cavity by gastrointestinal

contents. One method to mitigate this risk is to lavage the intraperitoneal

cavity. Hypochlorous acid, recognized for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial

activity, biocompatibility, and potential to reduce infection rates, represents

a promising antiseptic. Utilizing it as a peritoneal lavage agent is an

innovative strategy that could yield better outcomes than traditional

methods. Conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) will offer robust

evidence on the efficacy and safety of hypochlorous acid in preventing SSIs.

Demonstrating its effectiveness can directly enhance patient recovery times,

alleviate pain and discomfort, and improve overall post-surgery quality of life.

By potentially reducing the incidence of SSIs, the study can also promote

more cost-effective healthcare by decreasing the need for extended

treatments and readmissions. Positive outcomes could influence surgical

protocols and guidelines, supporting the integration of hypochlorous acid

into clinical practice. Additionally, the findings could pave the way for further

research into other uses of hypochlorous acid across various surgical and

wound care contexts. Addressing SSIs, a prevalent public health issue, the

study can contribute to better health outcomes and reduce the healthcare

system’s burden.