Routine Sterile Glove and Instrument Change at the Time of Abdominal Wound Closure to Prevent Surgical Site Infection: Reviewing the ChEETAh Trial

The Evidence-Based Reviews in Surgery (EBRS) group was developed to foster critical appraisal skills in practicing surgeons and trainees in order that they may evaluate surgical literature and practice evidence-based surgery. EBRS virtually connects experts in clinical surgery and evidence-based methodology to collaboratively assess the strengths and weaknesses of current practice compared to the risks and benefits of new approaches to care. Since the inception of EBRS, summaries of each review have been published. The present article is a comprehensive review of the ChEETAh trial, investigating the effectiveness of routine glove and instrument change before abdominal wound closure to prevent surgical site infection (SSI). The trial was conducted in low- and middle-income countries and employed a cluster-randomized design. The results indicate a statistically significant reduction in SSI rates. Although the ChEETAh trial has strengths, caution is advised before implementing the intervention globally. The study's clinical relevance and cost-effectiveness need to be considered, and targeted implementation in specific patient clusters and hospitals with the necessary resources is recommended. Institutions should not only assess their unique circumstances (resources, baseline SSI rates, and use of other effective preventive measures) before implementing glove and instrument changes in their setting but also monitor their outcomes and costs should they choose in favor of implementation. Further research, including long-term effects, is suggested to refine the understanding of the intervention's implications in diverse settings.