Related Experiment Videos
[Anticancer chemotherapy, risk factor for infection at the operated site in cervicofacial surgery]
1Département de Cancérologie Cervico-faciale, Centre Oscar Lambret, 3, rue F. Combemale, BP 307, F 59020 Lille. n-penel@o-lambret.fr
Background:
In order to evaluate occurrence and risk factors for wound infection (WI) in head and neck uncontaminated surgery, we carried out a prospective study.
Methods:
From january 1997 through january 1999, we prospectively evaluated 212 wounds of all patients having uncontaminated head and neck surgery at the Oscar Lambret Cancer Center (neck dissections, parotidectomies, thyroidectomies, explorative cervicotomies, cutaneous resections). No antibiotic prophylaxis was given. WI was defined as a wound with pus. Statistical evaluation was performed using the chi 2 test. In univariate analysis, differences were considered significant p < 0.05.
Results:
The overall WI rate was 6.6% (14/212). In univariate analysis, previous chemotherapy is the only risk factor for WI were: (p < 0.00001). Multivariate analysis was not performed.
Conclusion:
Like other cancer locations, chemotherapy was a major risk factor for WI. In these cases, a phase ill trial could confirm efficacy of standard antibiotic.