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Prophylactic antibiotics and their role in the prevention of surgical wound infection.

Prophylactic antibiotics are indicated in all clean-contaminated and many clean procedures, especially in view of the low complication rates seen with cephalosporin prophylaxis. They are best administered immediately before operation in a manner that insures a tissue level at the time of incision and they should target pathogens commonly associated with the specific operation undertaken. Therapeutic tissue concentrations should be maintained throughout the period of potential bacterial contamination but not beyond 24 hours after surgery. Linton has been proved corrected in predicting the contribution of preventive (prophylactic) antibiotics to surgery. They are a useful tool in the surgeon's effort to minimize the occurrence of postoperative infection. However, these agents must be used with, and cannot replace, meticulous and aseptic surgical technique. Current research providing information concerning the basic cellular and molecular bases of host defense against bacterial primary lodgment and invasion provide strong evidence that the surgical patient of the future will benefit by an extended ability to normalize natural host defenses rendering those few bacteria that gain access to the wound incapable of producing infection. At that time preventive (prophylactic) antibiotics will become less important in the control of postoperative infection.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Malignant hyperthermia: experience in the prospective management of eight children.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a seemingly rare genetic myopathy. Hypermetabolic crisis accompanied by a rise in body temperature to as high as 44 degrees C, is its hallmark. Malignant hyperthermia is usually triggered by potent inhalation anesthetics and/or depolarizing muscle relaxants. Because of the extraordinary incidence of death in patients who are at risk, pediatric surgeons may be reluctant to operate on these patients. Eight such patients were referred to the Pediatric Surgery Service and the UCLA Malignant Hyperthermia Center following pediatric surgical procedures aborted for first episodes of malignant hyperthermia (five) or for a strong family history of malignant hyperthermia (three). They were anesthetized with nitrous oxide, barbiturates, opiates, tranquilizers, and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. The patients were not treated prophylactically with dantrolene. Cardiac monitoring, end-tidal PCO2, and rectal temperatures were monitored. After completion of their pediatric surgical procedures, all eight patients had a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy performed and subsequent caffeine/halothane contracture studies completed. The contracture study result was positive in all patients studied. No anesthetic or surgical complications were encountered. This study shows that patients at risk for developing MH crisis can have pediatric surgical procedures performed safely with appropriately selected general anesthesia.

Adolescent↗

The incidence of wound infection following crotalid envenomation.

Many sources advocate the empiric use of antibiotics to prevent wound infection (WI) following crotalid (rattlesnake) envenomations. We undertook a prospective observational study to examine the incidence of infections following crotalid envenomation. We studied crotalid envenomations presenting to our institution with follow-up by direct examination or telephone consultation. All patients presenting to our institution from June 1990 to October 1991 with history and clinical evidence of crotalid envenomation were included in the analysis. Routine management of crotalid envenomation was undertaken in each case, including the use of antivenin, surgical debridement, and antibiotics only when indicated by signs and symptoms of infection. A total of 54 patients were observed during the study period. Twelve patients received prophylactic antibiotics begun either prior to transfer to our institution or following a surgical procedure, and were evaluated separately. Follow-up was obtained on 32 patients 7 or more days following envenomation. Only 1 patient from the study group developed clinical evidence of WI during the study period. We conclude that because of a low incidence of WI in this series, the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in such patients may not be warranted.

Adult↗

Prophylactic antibiotics in cataract operations.

The rationale for prophylactic antibiotics in cataract operations must be continually reevaluated in light of cost-effectiveness and adverse reactions. The principles learned from wound infections associated with general surgical procedures should be applied to the limited knowledge about the rare event of endophthalmitis. Herein the literature on experimental and clinical wound infections in general surgical procedures is reviewed, with analysis of microbial flora, pathophysiology of wound infections, and pharmacokinetics of antibiotics. Experimental and clinical studies on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent endophthalmitis are reviewed, including information on topically applied antibiotics, chemical antisepsis, and administration of subconjunctival, intracameral, and systemic antibiotics. In addition, the benefits, limitations, and risks of the various types of prophylactic antibiotics are discussed. Because of the limited data on prophylactic antibiotics in cataract operations, providing dogmatic statements is difficult. General recommendations are offered based on the currently available literature, and a stratified approach is suggested based on wound construction and number of anterior segment maneuvers.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Prophylactic antibiotics to prevent surgical site infection after breast cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgery has been used as part of breast cancer treatment for centuries; however any surgical procedure has the potential risk of infection. Infection rates for surgical treatment of breast cancer are documented at between three and 15%, higher than average for a clean surgical procedure. Pre and peri-operative antibiotics have been found to be useful in lowering infection rates in other surgical groups, yet there is no current consensus on prophylactic antibiotic use in breast cancer surgery. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of prophylactic antibiotics on the incidence of surgical site infection after breast cancer surgery. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Wounds and Breast Cancer Groups Specialised Registers, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) issue 1 2006. MEDLINE 2002-2005, EMBASE 1980-2005, NRR issue 1 2005, CINAHL 1982-2004 and SIGLE 1976-2004. Companies and experts in the field were contacted and reference lists were checked. No language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of pre and peri-operative antibiotics for patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer were included. Primary outcomes were, incidence of breast wound infection and adverse reactions to treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently examined the title and abstracts of all studies identified by the search strategy, then assessed study quality and extracted data from those that met the inclusion criteria. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. All six evaluated pre-operative antibiotic compared with no antibiotic or placebo. Pooling of the results demonstrated that prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduce the incidence of surgical site infection for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery without reconstruction (pooled RR 0.66, 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.89). No studies presented separate data for patients who underwent reconstructive surgery at the time of removal of the breast tumour. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the risk of surgical site infection in patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer. The potential morbidity caused by infection, such as delays in wound healing or adjuvant cancer treatments must be balanced against the cost of treatment and potential adverse effects such as drug reactions or increased bacterial resistance. Further studies of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction would be useful as studies have identified this group as being at higher risk of infection than those who do not undergo immediate breast reconstruction.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗

Iatrogenic ureteric injuries: incidence, aetiological factors and the effect of early management on subsequent outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changing pattern in incidence, aetiological factors and the effect of early diagnosis and surgical treatment on the outcome of iatrogenic ureteric injuries in our Urology Unit over a 5 year period. PATIENTS/METHODS: All patients with ureteric injuries caused as a result of any surgical procedures (iatrogenic ureteric injuries) were studied during a 5 year period (1998-2002). Data collected and analysed included yearly incidence of injury, aetiological factors, modalities of treatment and the outcome of management of the injuries. During the study period, our general surgical colleagues had a policy of requesting "J" stent insertion prior to major abdominopelvic surgical procedures. During the same period, in nearly all difficult cases of ureteroscopy (URS) + lithoclast lithotripsy+/-Dormia basket, a ureteric catheter or "J" stent was prophylactically inserted by urological surgeons. RESULTS: There were 82 iatrogenic ureteric injuries in 75 patients over the 5 year period. The total number of iatrogenic ureteric injuries declined from 26 (31.7%) in 1998 to 10 (11.8%) in 2002. Urological, obstetrics and gynaecological and general surgical procedures were involved in 69(84.1%), 7(8.7%), and 4(4.9%) of the injuries respectively. The commonest types of injuries encountered were; injury to ureteric mucosa post URS or lithoclast calculi disintegration 34 (41.5%), complete ureteric perforation 15 (18.3%) and false passage 15 (18.3%). The most severe complications encountered were complete ureteric avulsions 3 (3.75%) and loss of ureteral segment 2 (2.4%). The commonest treatment options used were "J" stent insertion or ureteric catheter placement (48, 59.4%), percutaneous nephrostomy (17, 20.7%), laparotomy and removal of suture on tied ureters (5, 6.1%). Two (2.4%) nephrectomies were performed because of poor renal function in one patient and severe damage to a functioning renal unit during a difficult retroperitoneal surgery in another patient. Recognition and treatment of ureteric injuries at the time of surgery was associated with less morbidity compared to those in whom the diagnosis was delayed. The overall successful resolution of ureteric injuries in this series was 77/82 (93.9%). There was no mortality attributable to these ureteric injuries. CONCLUSION: In our Unit, the incidence of significant iatrogenic ureteric injuries has shown a decline over a 5-year period. We attribute this trend to the prophylactic use of "J" stents or ureteric catheter placement and good surgical technique during major abdomino-pelvic surgeries in our hospital. Endourological procedures are the commonest causes of ureteric injuries. Prompt diagnosis and institution of appropriate corrective surgical procedures often result in a very satisfactory outcome in about 94% of cases.

Adolescent↗

Cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.

Melanoma of the head and neck, if diagnosed early and treated with aggressive appropriate surgical therapy, is potentially curable in up to 80 to 90 per cent of the cases. The use of microscopic staging by level of invasion and thickness of the tumor is helpful in determining the appropriate surgical procedure for the individual patient and is of prognostic significance. If possible, prophylactic incontinuity regional node dissection should be performed for melanomas of the head and neck that have invaded to Level III or deeper, especially those that are greater than 1.5 mm in thickness. The histological status of the regional nodes is beneficial both therapeutically and prognostically, in that patients who have negative nodes have a better prognosis than those with microscopically positive nodes. Also, these patients with microscopically positive nodes have a much better survival than those with macroscopically positive nodes. Melanoma of the head and neck should be treated very aggressively with wide excision of the primary tumor in order to prevent local recurrence and further spread of the disease. Since surgical treatment is the only effective curative measure for melanoma, all localized tumor in the region of the primary and solitary distant metastasis should be removed if possible. The adjunctive use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy when regional nodes are involved with melanoma is being studied and may be of some benefit. The combinations of surgical therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy offers the patient with advanced disease significant palliation, sometimes for prolonged periods. The treatment of head and neck melanoma is best summarized by the statement in the December 4, 1965 of The Lancet.-.29 "The surgeon who first operates on a malignant melanoma has a great responsibility. Prompt and competent action will give the patient a chance of survival better than in most other forms of cancer. The only additional operative surgical skill required is the ability to cut and apply split skin grafts. If he lacks confidence therein, let the surgeon refer the case at once and certainly before he has ruined, by niggling interference, the patient's chance of survival."

Adolescent↗

Risk of rectal cancer in patients after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis: a function of available surgical options.

PURPOSE: One of the concerns with colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis as a prophylactic procedure for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis is the risk of metachronous rectal cancer, estimated at from 12 to 43 percent. These estimates are based largely on surgeries performed at a time when the only alternative option to ileorectal anastomosis for patients with severe familial adenomatous polyposis was proctocolectomy and ileostomy. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that in the pouch era severe polyposis is now treated by proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Ileorectal anastomosis is performed mostly in mildly affected patients and will therefore carry a very low risk of metachronous rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary prophylactic surgery for familial adenomatous polyposis between 1950 and 1999 were categorized according to the year of their surgery: prepouch era (before 1983) or pouch era (after 1983). Patients undergoing colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis were the focus of the study, and rate of proctectomy and the incidence of rectal cancer were recorded for each group. Data on the severity of the polyposis for each group were abstracted. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients underwent ileorectal anastomosis, 62 in the prepouch era (median follow-up, 212 months; interquartile range, 148 months) and 135 in the pouch era (median follow-up, 60 months; interquartile range, 80 months). Patients in the prepouch era came to surgery at the same median age as those in the pouch era (median age 23.0 years, interquartile ranges 15.5 years for prepouch and 17 years for pouch). Similar proportions of patients in the prepouch era had severe polyposis (49 percent) as in the pouch era (44 percent), although all severely affected patients had an ileorectal anastomosis in the prepouch era vs. 39 percent in the pouch era. Twenty (32 percent) prepouch-era patients underwent proctectomy compared with three (2 percent) pouch-era patients. No pouch-era patient had rectal cancer on follow-up; eight (12.9 percent) prepouch-era patients did. CONCLUSION: Although follow-up is shorter, ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis performed since 1983 carries a much lower rate of rectal cancer and proctectomy than ileorectal anastomosis performed before this time, when restorative proctocolectomy was not an option. This is related, at least in part, to a greater number of patients with severe polyposis having their rectum initially spared.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with transplanted livers.

Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed on 3 patients for refractory angina pectoris 48, 5, and 40 months after orthotopic liver transplantation. At the time of the cardiac operation, all 3 patients had drug-induced moderate renal dysfunction, and 1 of the 3 exhibited mild chronic rejection of the graft. Maintenance immunosuppressive therapy was continued during the cardiac operation and the perioperative period. Stress-dose steroids and standard prophylactic antibiotics were also employed. All 3 patients tolerated the cardiac surgical procedure without hepatic decompensation, excessive bleeding, infection, impaired wound healing, and other complications related to the transplanted organ or to the immunosuppressive therapy. Early postoperative liver function test results showed mild transient deterioration. One patient experienced a brief psychotic episode and massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Both complications were attributed to the steroids used in immunosuppressive therapy. Follow-up ranging from 2 to 24 months after coronary artery bypass grafting revealed that the patients were active and had no cardiac symptoms or manifestations of hepatic decompensation. It appears from this limited experience that cardiac operations can be performed safely in patients who have previously undergone liver transplantation.

Aged↗

Low-dose oral amiodarone prophylaxis reduces atrial fibrillation after pulmonary resection.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation after pulmonary resection increases morbidity and costs. To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose oral amiodarone (LDOA) as prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation after pulmonary resection, we reviewed all patients 60 years or older having pulmonary resections by thoracotomy in a 30-month period. METHODS: We identified 31 patients who received prophylactic LDOA (200 mg by mouth every 8 hours) while hospitalized and 52 patients who received no prophylactic treatment. The groups were comparable for sex, age, comorbidities, and surgical procedure. RESULTS: Twenty of 83 patients (24%) had postoperative atrial fibrillation: 17 of 52 patients (33%) without prophylaxis and 3 of 31 (9.7%) with prophylaxis (odds ratio, 0.221; 95% confidence interval, 0.059 to 0.829; p = 0.0253). The median total hospital charge was $30,800 (range, $20,400-$96,900) for 50 patients without prophylaxis and $26,700 (range, $11,000-$55,900) for 31 patients with prophylaxis (p = not significant). Patients receiving LDOA had lower accumulated charges per day of hospital stay (p = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS: LDOA prophylaxis significantly reduces the incidence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary resection. Its use in this population may be cost-effective. Results of this pilot study provide a rationale for a prospective randomized trial.

Administration, Oral↗

Characteristics of thyroidectomy in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thyroidectomy is a common treatment for thyroid disorders in Taiwan, and constitutes a significant percentage of medical expenses. This study investigated the characteristics of thyroidectomy in Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 21 senior general surgeons from 16 medical centers and 5 regional hospitals participated. One surgeon from each hospital reviewed the hospital's medical records of thyroid operations performed in the year 2001. Medical records for 3846 thyroidectomies were retrospectively analyzed, including surgical indications and modalities, complications, pathology reports, and the use of antibiotics. RESULTS: Most of the patients were women (85%). Indications for surgery included proven malignancy (9%), suspicious malignancy (30%), evident compression symptoms (20%), hyperthyroidism (20%), and cosmetic reasons (12%). The majority of patients (78%) underwent a surgical procedure with lobectomy or bilateral thyroidectomy; 13% had unilateral partial thyroidectomy. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered in 46% of procedures, and continued postoperatively in 12%. Postoperative complications occurred in 12% of patients. Hypocalcemia was the most common complication (8%), and its incidence was significantly correlated with the frequency of total thyroidectomy (p < 0.01). Complete pathology reports for the thyroidectomized specimens were available in only 65% of the cases. The frequency of cosmetic reasons for surgery, unilateral subtotal resection, routine antibiotic administration, and incomplete pathology reports were significantly higher in regional hospitals than in medical centers. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in the high rates of cosmetic reasons for surgery, unilateral partial thyroidectomy, incomplete pathology reports, and use of antibiotic prophylaxis are needed to improve the quality of thyroidectomy in Taiwan.

Adolescent↗

[Radiation therapy of intracranial germinoma].

The appropriate radiation dose and field for the treatment of intracranial germinoma were investigated in 33 patients. Recurrences were observed in 4 cases treated with local field irradiation only, and all of them were recognized at the margin of the radiation field or under the dose (less than 25 Gy) area. This suggests that whole cranial irradiation (dose of 25 to 30 Gy) should be added even if the tumor is solitary. The effective dose for cerebrospinal dissemination appears to be 25-35 Gy, but prophylactic CNS irradiation seems unnecessary for patients who have not undergone surgical procedures. Changes in mental status were seen in 5 patients (26.3%). Doses of over 59 Gy may be related to this complication.

Adolescent↗

Malignant hyperthermia. A potentially fatal syndrome in orthopaedic patients.

Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited muscular disorder and a cause of sudden death in afflicted patients. Stress arising from tramuma, surgery, and other causes can initiate the syndrome. We studied the types of orthopaedic problems commonly seen in patients with this condition as well as the clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of the syndrome. Recognition, management, and understanding of the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia can be aided by a study of its similarities to porcine stress syndrome. We performed experimental studies of muscle and prophylaxis in swine. We also demonstrated the extension of the prophylactic use of dantrolene sodium in a management protocol in eighty surgical procedures in humans.

Adult↗

Clear lensectomy and implantation of low-power posterior chamber intraocular lens for the correction of high myopia.

BACKGROUND: Although a variety of surgical procedures to treat high myopia have been studied, no consensus exists on the optimum procedure. Clear lensectomy with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens has been regarded as risky, due to the higher incidence of retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes. METHODS: The authors performed surgery and evaluation over 1 year in 52 eyes in which prophylactic retinal treatment, clear lensectomy, and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were used to treat high myopia of 12 diopters (D) or greater. RESULTS: Before lens extraction, 31 eyes underwent argon laser photocoagulation. Over the 1-year period, three additional eyes were treated, and six eyes that had been treated preoperatively received additional treatment. No cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, or persistent corneal edema was observed in this series. At 1 year, 88.5% of the group achieved corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, compared with 75% preoperatively. Uncorrected visual acuity of 20/100 or better was achieved by 84.6% of the group. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.86 +/- 0.84 D. CONCLUSION: The refractive objectives were achieved. Complications reported previously with clear lensectomy were not experienced in this group. The low incidence of complications can be attributed to the short follow-up and probably in part to the prophylactic retinal treatment, combined with the phacoemulsification procedure for lens extraction. Longer follow-up is needed to fully assess the complications. Properly randomized prospective clinical trials will be able to fully assess the benefits and risks of prophylactic retinal treatment and clear lens extraction with posterior intraocular lens implantation. This series can help in evaluating this surgical procedure.

Adult↗

Autogeneic fat transplants in the epidural space in routine lumbar spine surgery.

This report presents our experience with the use of autogeneic fat patch grafts to protect the exposed dura mater during lumbar spine operations. A total of 44 consecutive surgical procedures was performed primarily for discogenic or spondylotic disease from 1979 to 1982. Prophylactic antibiotics were used in 21 (48%) cases. The autogeneic fat transplants were well accepted by all recipients during 10.4 (1 to 32) months of follow-up. Fat grafts, greater than 1 cm in thickness, were easily identified on subsequent computed tomographic (CT) scans. There were no postoperative wound infections. However, 1 patient developed a large subcutaneous sterile fluid accumulation at the fat donor site, which required surgical intervention. Our results, both short and long term, indicate that autogeneic fat transplants may be well tolerated in the lumbar spine area. The fat graft viability as demonstrated by CT scanning and histological examination supports the contention that autogeneic fat interposed between dura mater and overlying musculature may serve as a barrier limiting the growth of cicatrix into the spinal canal.

Adipose Tissue↗

Comparison of three prophylactic antibiotic regimens in clean-contaminated head and neck surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although appropriate perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis has significantly reduced wound infection rates in clean-contaminated head and neck surgical procedures, controversy still remains regarding the optimal antibiotic regimen. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind clinical trial, 159 patients were randomized to receive amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin plus gentamicin, or cefazolin intravenously up to 1/2 hour before surgery and at 6-hour intervals for an additional three doses. RESULTS: An overall wound infection rate of 23% was observed. Thirteen (22.8%) infections occurred in the amoxicillin-clavulanate-treated group, 11 (21.2%) in the clindamycin plus gentamicin-treated group, and 13 (26%) in the cefazolin-treated group, which was not statistically significant. Only prior medical illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus, correlated with an increased wound infection rate (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin plus gentamicin, and cefazolin seem to have similar efficacy when administered prophylactically in clean-contaminated head and neck surgical procedures.

Adult↗

Vaginosonographic velocimetry in uterine arteries before and after administration of beta-mimetics.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of surgical procedures at 15 weeks gestation (amniocentesis or cervical cerclage), with or without post-operative ritodrine prophylaxis, on uterine blood flow velocity waveforms and maternal heart rate. DESIGN: A quasi-randomized observational study. SETTING: University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vienna. SUBJECTS: Sixty women having a genetic amniocentesis for advanced maternal age and 57 women having elective cervical cerclage for previous preterm labour or recurrent miscarriage. INTERVENTIONS: The women in each group were allocated either to receive prophylactic ritodrine postoperatively or to receive no ritodrine treatment. Allocation used the year of birth of the woman (odd years received ritodrine, even years received no treatment). All the women had vaginal ultrasound velocimetry studies in both mainstem uterine arteries through the parametrium before the surgical procedure and again after the procedure. The ritodrine-treated women in the cerclage group received intraveneous ritodrine hydrochloride (0.2 mg/min) and those in the amniocentesis group received 60 mg ritodrine/day orally. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uterine artery blood flow velocity waveform indices: A/B ratio and pulsatility index (PI) and maternal heart rate before and after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: The only statistically significant difference in haemodynamic values between those obtained before the procedure and those obtained after the procedure with or without prophylactic ritodrine was seen in the women who had cervical cerclage with postoperative intravenous ritodrine. The mean A/B ratio decreased from 2.69 (SD 1.17) to 2.11 (SD 0.44), and the mean PI from 1.62 (SD 0.47) to 1.21 (SD 0.3) and the mean maternal heart rate increased from 82.6 (SD 11.1) to 99.4 (SD 15.7). There were no other statistically significant differences between before and after haemodynamic values. CONCLUSIONS: There are no clinically relevant effects of amniocentesis and cervical cerclage on uterine blood flow velocity waveforms.

Adult↗

A prospective placebo-controlled double-blind trial of antibiotic prophylaxis in intraoral bone grafting procedures: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: A pilot study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a single-dose preoperative prophylactic of the penicillin pheneticillin compared with placebo in the antibiotic prophylaxis of surgical wound infections in intra-oral bone grafting procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (age range 20-45 years) underwent an intra-oral buccal onlay graft procedure. After randomization, a placebo or 2 grams of pheneticillin were administered orally one hour before surgery in a double-blind fashion. During three months, the postoperative course was observed according to clinical parameters of infection. Both groups were homogeneous in their composition and established risk factors for surgical wound infection. The frequency of surgical wound infections, as defined by the Centers of Disease control in 1992, were compared and evaluated statistically. RESULTS: Two patients developed a wound infection at the receptor site; two patients developed an infection at both the receptor and donor sites; and one patient developed an infection at the donor site only. All of these patients received a placebo. No infections were seen in the pheneticillin group. There was a statistically significant increased risk of having an infectious complication after an intra-oral bone graft without antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the efficacy of single-dose, preoperative, oral antibiotic administration.

Adolescent↗