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Published on: September 29, 2018
Stabilized Hypochlorous Acid to Prevent Adipose Graft Infection in Body Contouring: A Clinical Study of 1902 Muscle
Background:
Despite the general safety of liposuction and fat grafting procedures, surgical-site infections (SSIs) remain a significant concern. These infections, ranging from minor to severe, can arise from various sources and pose a substantial burden. The overuse of antibiotics has led to increased antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for alternative infection prevention strategies like stabilized hypochlorous acid (s-HOCl).
Objectives:
The aim of the authors of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of s-HOCl in preventing SSIs following liposculpture and other body contouring procedures.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study and matched control cohort were conducted at a single plastic surgery center in Bogota, Colombia (Dhara Clinic). Adult patients scheduled for liposculpture and fat grafting from January 2020 to December 2023 formed the intervention group, receiving s-HOCl as a washing solution for adipose grafts. A matched control cohort was drawn from patients who underwent similar procedures from January 2017 to December 2019 without s-HOCl. Data on demographics, surgical characteristics, and SSI outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results:
A total of 1008 patients were included, with 502 in the s-HOCl group and 506 in the control group. The infection rate in the s-HOCl group was 0.2 per 100 grafted muscles, compared with 0.54 in the control group. Relative risk of SSIs in the s-HOCl group was 0.4, indicating a reduction in infection rates. The small absolute risk reduction of 0.59% underscores the clinical importance, considering SSIs, although rare, are severe and life-threatening events, with significant impact on outcomes and healthcare costs. A reduction in the severity of infection and the level of required treatment was also observed.
Conclusions:
s-HOCl demonstrated potential to reduce SSI risk following liposuction and fat grafting. This intervention offers a valuable alternative to antibiotics, effectively reducing infection rates and contributing to improved patient outcomes and public health in postantibiotic era.
Insights
Stabilized hypochlorous acid (s-HOCl) effectively reduced surgical-site infections (SSIs) in liposuction and fat grafting patients. This offers a promising alternative to antibiotics for preventing infections in plastic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are a concern in liposuction and fat grafting.
- Antimicrobial resistance necessitates alternative infection prevention strategies.
- Stabilized hypochlorous acid (s-HOCl) presents a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of s-HOCl in preventing SSIs.
- To assess s-HOCl's role in body contouring procedures.
- To explore alternatives to antibiotic use in surgical prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study with a matched control group.
- Intervention group received s-HOCl washing solution for adipose grafts.
- Control group underwent similar procedures without s-HOCl.
Main Results:
- The s-HOCl group had a lower infection rate (0.2 per 100 grafted muscles) versus the control group (0.54).
- A relative risk reduction of 0.4 for SSIs was observed in the s-HOCl group.
- Reduced infection severity and treatment requirements were noted.
Conclusions:
- s-HOCl shows potential in reducing SSI risk after liposuction and fat grafting.
- This intervention serves as a valuable alternative to antibiotics.
- s-HOCl contributes to improved patient outcomes and public health in the post-antibiotic era.
