Evaluation of wraps covering the distal aspect of pelvic limbs for prevention of bacterial strike-through in an ex vivo canine model.
OBJECTIVE
To determine differences in bacterial strike-through for materials commonly used to cover the distal aspect of the pelvic limb during operative site preparation.


METHODS
Randomized block design; ex vivo model.


METHODS
Canine cadaveric pelvic limbs (n=40).


METHODS
Pelvic limbs (n=40) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: Group 1=Vetrap+sterile Coban; Group 2=latex glove+Vetrap+sterile Coban; Group 3=latex glove+Vetrap+sterile Coban+sterile latex glove+sterile Coban; and Group 4=latex glove+Vetrap+sterile disposable drape+sterile Coban. Limbs were contaminated with a standardized bacterial solution and routinely prepared using the assigned distal leg wrap. Bandages were fluid challenged with a saline (0.9% NaCl) solution-soaked laparotomy sponge for 30 seconds. The wrap surface was sampled for microbial culture before surgical preparation, immediately after, and 60 minutes after applying a sterile leg wrap.


RESULTS
Bacterial growth occurred in all Group 1 cultures, 90% of Group 2 cultures, and none of the Group 3 and 4 cultures, 60 minutes after applying the sterile wrap.


CONCLUSIONS
A distal leg wrap of Vetrap+sterile Coban is not effective in preventing bacterial strike-through.


CONCLUSIONS
If similar results occur in the live animal, then a sterile impermeable barrier must be incorporated into the distal leg wrap to prevent bacterial strike-through.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Kent J
KJ
Vince
B Duncan X
BD
Lascelles
Kyle G
KG
Mathews
Craig
C
Altier
Simon C
SC
Roe
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D006614:Hindlimb; D011897:Random Allocation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local