Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis with cefuroxime in oral-maxillofacial surgical procedures

A study was carried out to investigate the suitability of cefuroxime for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in maxillofacial surgical procedures. Serum and tissue samples were taken, to determine the intraoperative cefuroxime concentration, from 40 patients who had been given 1.5 g cefuroxime (Zinacef) i.v. during maxillofacial surgery. The time between i.v. administration and taking the blood and tissue samples varied between 10 and 260 min. The serum tissue kinetics were determined using an HPLC method in the jaw area, particular emphasis being given to the concentrations measured in bone. It was demonstrated that concentrations of cefuroxime were reached which are above the MIC values for many of the pathogens in the maxillofacial area and therefore adequate protection during intraoperative bacterial contamination is guaranteed. Maximum serum levels averaging 80 mg/l were measured within 30 min of administration. An average of 15 mg/l could still be demonstrated after 4 h. The bone samples gave maximum levels of 8-9 mg/kg 90 min after administration. Average levels of 1-3 mg/kg were still measurable after 4 h. It is only possible to describe trends due to the wide variation in the values, particularly of the bone samples. No postoperative wound infection was seen under prophylaxis with cefuroxime. Cefuroxime is suitable for perioperative prophylaxis during maxillofacial surgery procedures because of its favourable kinetics and broad spectrum of action.