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Three-dose vs extended-course clindamycin prophylaxis for free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck
William R Carroll1, David Rosenstiel, Jobe R Fix
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35233, USA. William.Carroll@ccc.uab.edu
Background:
Twenty-four hours of perioperative antibiotics provides effective prophylaxis for most head and neck cancer resections. Many reconstructive surgeons have been hesitant to apply this standard to free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck. This prospective clinical trial compared short-course and long-course clindamycin prophylaxis for wound infection in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free-flap reconstruction.
Methods:
Seventy-four patients were randomized to receive short-course (3 doses) or long-course (15 doses) clindamycin perioperatively. Wound infections, fistulas, and other postoperative complications were documented by faculty surgeons who were blinded as to treatment group.
Results:
The differences in wound infections and other complications were statistically insignificant. No other independent predictors of wound complications emerged in this series of patients.
Conclusions:
Short-course clindamycin is as effective as long-course clindamycin in preventing wound infections after free-flap surgery for head and neck ablative defects.