Usefulness of antibiotics for prevention of post-operative wound infection

ABSTRACT

A randomized trial was conducted in the Surgical Unit of Khyber Hospital, Peshawar to evaluate the role of prophylactic use of antibiotics in preventing post-operative wound infection among surgical patients. The study was intended as a pilot project, which might suggest the need fur further investigation or at least offer some evidence for or against the routine prophylactic use of antibiotics. A group of 95 patients of varying age and socio-economic background, who were operated upon by surgeons of comparable experience, were carefully studied and followed upto five weeks post-operatively. Among the study group, which received antibiotics during post-operative period 15% developed wound infection, whereas in control group which did not receive any antibiotic only 6% developed wound infection. This study failed to demonstrate any benefit which may cuni pensate for the discomfort, expenses and possible dangers associated with the prophylatic use of antibiotics following most surgical procedures