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Metronidazole prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy. A double-blind controlled trial
Abstract:
The use of prophylactic metronidazole in electric total abdominal hysterectomy was evaluated in a prospective, double-blind randomized study. The rate of complicated wound healing was 18% in the metronidazole group and 13% in the placebo group. The bacteriologically confirmed wound infection rate was 3.9% in both the metronidazole and the placebo group. Only one of the infections was anaerobic and it appeared in the placebo group. No pelvic infections were observed in either of the groups and hospital stay was the same in both. Peroperative investigations of the vaginal flora showed significantly fewer anaerobic strains in the metronidazole group than in the placebo group.
Insights
Prophylactic metronidazole did not significantly reduce wound infections in women undergoing hysterectomy. However, it did decrease anaerobic vaginal flora, suggesting potential benefits for specific infection types.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Infections
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Surgical site infections are a concern following hysterectomy.
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic metronidazole in preventing wound complications after electric total abdominal hysterectomy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, double-blind, randomized study.
- Comparison of metronidazole versus placebo for wound healing and infection rates.
- Analysis of vaginal flora for anaerobic strains.
Main Results:
- Complicated wound healing rates were 18% (metronidazole) and 13% (placebo).
- Bacteriologically confirmed wound infection rate was 3.9% in both groups.
- Significantly fewer anaerobic vaginal strains were found in the metronidazole group.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic metronidazole did not reduce overall wound infection or complicated wound healing rates in this study.
- Metronidazole effectively reduced anaerobic vaginal flora, indicating potential for targeting specific anaerobic infections.