Acidic Water Disinfectant May Harm Wound Healing in Surgery
Application of an Electrolyzed Strongly Acidic Aqueous Solution Before Wound Closure in Colorectal Surgery
Research hubs: Digestive System · Skin & Dermatology System
- Evidence type
- Randomized controlled trial · Human study
- Authors
- Yoshio Takesue, Yoshiko Takahashi, Kaoru Ichiki, Kazuhiko Nakajima, Toshie Tsuchida, Motoi Uchino, Hiroki Ikeuchi
- Journal
- Diseases of the Colon & Rectum
- Year
- 2011
- PMID
- 21654249
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 363
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Negative
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Using a strong acidic disinfectant on wounds during colorectal surgery may hinder healing and is not recommended for routine use.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed acidic solution applied to surgical wounds impaired wound healing and increased poor healing outcomes, despite a trend toward reduced infection risk.
Summary
This study tested whether an acidic solution created by electrolysis (a chemical process using electricity) could prevent infections when applied to surgical wounds during colorectal surgery. Researchers compared 180 patients whose wounds were rinsed with this solution to 183 patients whose wounds were rinsed with regular saline (salt water). While the acidic solution showed a slight trend toward reducing infections, it actually worsened wound healing and increased complications like poor healing outcomes.
Practical Takeaway
This study involved surgical wound irrigation in a hospital setting, not hydrogen water consumption. The electrolyzed solution tested here is not the same as hydrogen-enriched water marketed to consumers. The research suggests this particular disinfectant caused more harm than benefit in this surgical context, and the authors do not recommend its routine use.
Abstract (excerpt)
Electrolyzed strongly acidic aqueous solution which is produced by electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution has been used in Japan for the irrigation of wounds or body cavities even in the absence of particular evidence. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy or harmful effects…