Prevention of major infection after elective abdominal hysterectomy: Individual determination required

David L. Hemsell, Joan Reisch, Brenda Nobles, Patricia G. Hemsell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

A retrospective chart analysis of women undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy in Parkland Memorial Hospital indicated significant postoperative antibiotic administration. For that reason, we conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine the incidence of infection and febrile morbidity in this patient population and to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative cefoxitin in modifying the incidence of these conditions. Three 2 gm intramuscular doses of cefoxitin over 12 hours significantly reduced the incidence of major infection to 12% from 32% observed in the placebo group. The mean hospital stay for women given cefoxitin (5.6 days) was also significantly reduced when compared to that for women given placebo (6.4 days). The incidence of febrile morbidity not requiring therapy was significant and was not altered by perioperative cefoxitin. Febrile morbidity was observed in 42% of women given cefoxitin and in 34% of women given placebo. Administration of perioperative antimicrobial agents is necessary for women undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy in our hospital, but we believe that individual determination is required.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)520-528
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume147
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 1983

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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