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Clindamycin for intraincisional antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery
Michael J Huether1, Robert D Griego, David G Brodland
1mjhah@gci-net.com
Archives of Dermatology
|September 13, 2002
Summary
Intraincisional clindamycin significantly reduced postoperative wound infections in dermatologic surgery compared to placebo. This offers a safe and effective alternative for patients with penicillin allergies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatologic surgery
- Infectious disease
- Surgical outcomes
Background:
- Postoperative wound infections are a concern in dermatologic surgery.
- Nafcillin is a common treatment, but patient allergies can limit options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intraincisional clindamycin as an alternative to nafcillin for preventing wound infections.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of clindamycin in dermatologic surgery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
- 1030 patients undergoing Mohs surgery received either clindamycin or placebo intraincisionally.
- Wound infections were assessed using a standardized scoring system.
Main Results:
- A significantly lower infection rate was observed in the clindamycin group (6/1172) compared to the placebo group (23/1172).
- Culture-positive infections were also significantly lower in the clindamycin group.
- The P-value for overall infection rate was .001, and for culture-positive infections was .02.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose preoperative intraincisional clindamycin is effective in reducing postoperative wound infections.
- Clindamycin provides an inexpensive, safe, and convenient alternative for patients with penicillin allergies.