PErioperative respiratory care aNd outcomes for patients underGoing hIgh risk abdomiNal surgery (PENGUIN): a randomised international internal pilot trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infections are a common complication of abdominal surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The role of a high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) and chlorhexidine mouthwash in preventing post-operative infections is unconfirmed.

Methods

Internal pilot phase of an international outcome assessor-blinded, 2x2 factorial randomised trial of patients aged ≥10-years undergoing midline laparotomy in LMIC hospitals. The main trial objectives are to compare the clinical effectiveness of preoperative 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash in preventing pneumonia versus no mouthwash, and 80-100% perioperative FiO₂ to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) versus 21-35% FiO₂. This 12-month internal pilot assessed feasibility of hospital site o

SUBMITTER: PENGUIN Trial Management [e-mail][e-mail] 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12008669 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature