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. Study Design-Randomized block design; ex vivo model. Animals-Canine cadaveric pelvic limbs (n = 40). Methods-Pelvic limbs (n = 40) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: Group 1 = Vetrap (TM)+sterile Coban (TM); Group 2 = latex glove + Vetrap (TM) + sterile Coban (TM); Group 3 = latex glove + Vetrap (TM) + sterile Coban (TM) + sterile latex glove + sterile Coban (TM); and Group 4 = latex glove + Vetrap (TM) + sterile disposable drape + sterile Coban (TM). 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. Conclusion-A distal leg wrap of Vetrap (TM) + sterile Coban (TM) is not effective in preventing bacterial strike-through. Clinical Relevance-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. (C) Copyright 2008 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.