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^?+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.
Conclusion— A distal leg wrap of Vetrap^?+sterile Coban^? 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.