Interstitial fluid concentrations of ceftriaxone (1 g.i.v.) in the subperitoneal space after hysterectomy

The ability of an antibiotic to penetrate into the extravascular site of infection is particularly important for a successful perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and postoperative therapy of bacterial infection. We, therefore, measured interstitial fluid concentrations of ceftriaxone in the subperitoneal space following hysterectomy using Rubinstein's disc method after intravenous administration of 1 g of ceftriaxone preoperatively. After removal of the uterus, two disc units were implanted intraoperatively in the right and left subperitoneal space of 16 patients and were drawn out through the open vaginal cuff after given periods of time. Five disc and blood specimens were obtained after 90 min and 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Ceftriaxone concentrations were determined by bioassay. After administration of 1 g of ceftriaxone, interstitial fluid concentrations following hysterectomy were above the MIC90 of most pathogens encountered in gynecologic infections over a period of 24 h.