Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy

The value of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy was reviewed by meta-analysis. Two independent literature searches (1986-1988) yielded 150 relevant papers, however, only 17 (11.3%) papers met our inclusion criteria. The selected papers described prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies of patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy. In 14 of 17 (82%) trials, first- or second-generation cephalosporins were used. Results pooled confirm that antibiotic prophylaxis will reduce infectious morbidity following elective abdominal hysterectomy. Hospital stay is little affected and significant levels of infectious morbidity remain.