Instrument sterilization, skin preparation, and wound management.

This research article discusses the recent developments in instrument sterilization, pre-surgery skin preparation, and wound management, emphasizing on new mechanisms like gas plasma sterilization, using chlorhexidine gluconate as the surgical scrub, and a range of wound dressings and topical medications being evaluated.

Instrument Sterilization

• The article brings focus on recent advances in instrument sterilization methods, particularly the introduction of gas plasma sterilization and the increased usage of glutaraldehyde.
• Gas plasma sterilization is highlighted as an impactful method due to its lack of toxic residue, reduced turnover time, and its compatibility with heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments.
• Glutaraldehyde is another method that has seen increased usage but the article does not expand further on it.

Skin Preparation

• The paper also discusses preoperative surgical scrubbing techniques. Chlorhexidine gluconate, specifically the 4% solution, is mentioned as a superior preoperative surgical scrub for both the surgeon and the patient.
• The reasons for the superiority of Chlorhexidine gluconate are its increased antimicrobial efficacy, its lasting activity, and negligible tissue reactions.

Wound Management

• Regard to wound management, the article mentions the existence of various new wound dressings and topical medications. However, the author points out that these have been majorly evaluated in humans, dogs, and cats, with limited research available on their applicability on equines (horses).
• The problem of finding an ideal topical wound preparation and dressing for equine wounds, especially wounds affecting the distal limb, is still unsolved according to this research.