[Local metronidazole and PVP-iodine prevention before abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy]

One day before abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy 37 patients received a vaginal suppository of (I) metronidazol (200 mg) (II) PVP-iodine or (III) a placebo. Microbiologic analysis was performed before application and three or four days post surgery. No differences between the three groups were observed regarding bacterial status and postoperative morbidity. Occurrence of postoperative infections did not decrease as a result of the local treatment and dosage as described.