Prophylaxis with tinidazole of infection in major head and neck surgery for malignant disease

In a double-blind study, 20 patients undergoing surgery for the removal of an oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma received tinidazole either as a single perioperative prophylactic dose of 2 g or as a treatment course of 8 g given over a 7 day period. The wounds were assessed daily and specimens of fluid from the upper neck drain were submitted for culture. Four patients, two in each group, developed complications that might have been associated with infection (flap necrosis, fistula formation or both). There was no significant difference in the efficacy of these two regimens and single dose prophylaxis with tinidazole is advocated.