DACC in the REduction of Surgical Site INfection
DACC in the REduction of Surgical Site INfection
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.

 712 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 5-7 days and 30 days, and at 1 year. At the follow
 up, their wounds will be inspected for infection, and participants will be asked to complete
 short questionnaires measuring quality of life.

 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.
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 vascular surgery who are able to
 consent to the trial.

 -  Able to understand the Patient Information Sheet and capable and willing to give
 informed consent and follow the protocol requirements (including attending all
 follow-up visits)

 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 carotid endarterectomy.

 -  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.