The value of prophylactic antibiotics for simple lacerations

The use of prophylactic antibiotics as an adjunct to suture closure of simple lacerations is common; however, little data exist to support this practice. Orally administered antibiotics are routinely given after wound closure. This prophylactic antibiotic regimen violates an established surgical principle, namely, the early use of antibiotics to establish adequate preoperative tissue levels. Despite this knowledge, antibiotics continue to be prescribed for patients with simple lacerations. Drug cost, patient compliance, the risk of allergy and bacterial resistance are additional considerations. For these reasons, this study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis as practiced in many communities today.