Use of prophylactic antibiotic in clean surgical cases--a prospective trial of various regimens

In a randomised controlled prospective trial, different antibiotic regimens were evaluated as prophylaxis in wound infection following elective surgical procedures. Four hundred and four consecutive cases were divided in four groups. Two groups were allotted two different conventional postoperative antibiotic regimens while the fourth group received short term perioperative antibiotic; group one served as control. A higher frequency of postoperative wound infection was observed in the controls. Results showed reduction in gross infection in only group III where short term perioperative antibiotic was used. Combination of penicillin and streptomycin were not found effective, and low infection rate was observed with Cephamendole used perioperatively.