The use of an integumental sealer to reduce bacterial contamination by the endogeous skin flora during surgery in the horse

Surgical site infections after arthroscopy can be a frustrating topic in equine minimalinvasive surgery, leading mostly to a fatal outcome, even though with low occurence. One source of pathogens is the endogenous flora of the equine skin, which can contaminate the surgical site (HAGEN and TRESTON- AURAND 1995). A number of preoperative skin care strategies are performed to reduce bacterial contamination like preoperative antiseptic washing, hair removal, antisepsis of the skin, adhesive barrier drapes and antimicrobial prophylaxis. A new product, based on cyanoacrylat was introduced in human medicine to reduce bacterial contamination of the endogenous skin flora. This was evaluated in standard arthroscopy procedures in horses. The preliminary results allow the conclusions that the integumental sealer might lower the risk of surgical sites infection following arhtroscopy of horses.