Role of prophylactic antibiotics in open inguinal hernia repair: a randomised study

To study the role of prophylactic antibiotics in open inguinal hernia repair. A total of 200 patients were included, they were randomised in two groups. Group 1 was given prophylactic dose of inj amoxy-clav while group 2 was given placebo only. Results were compared and Data analysed using the Chi-square test. Complications in both the groups were compared. Rate of serous discharge and seroma formation was 1% and 22% respectively in group 1 while 2% and 26% in group 2 also the rate of erythema and stitch abscess were 1% and none in group 1 and 2% and 1% in group 2 respectively. On statistical analysis these differences were not significant. Addition of prophylactic antibiotics in elective open inguinal hernia repair has no significant benefit over placebo although larger studies are required to prepare some uniform guidelines.