Prophylactic parenteral cefuroxime: subcutaneous concentrations in laparotomy wounds

Plasma and subcutaneous adipose tissue cefuroxime concentrations were measured in laparotomy wounds, by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography, in 12 patients undergoing elective abdominal operations. After intravenous administration of 1.5 g cefuroxime at induction of anaesthesia, the measured concentrations in serum and wound tissue during a 2 h period were above the MIC 90 of most micro-organisms derived from the alimentary tract. Tissue peak levels were reached within 15 min and the tissue half life was 1.5 h.