Randomized clinical trial of single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for non-reconstructive breast surgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether a single intravenous dose of 2 g flucloxacillin could prevent wound infection after primary non-reconstructive breast surgery.

METHODS:

The study included 618 patients undergoing local excision (n = 490), mastectomy (n = 107) or microdochectomy (n = 21). Patients were randomized to receive either a single dose of flucloxacillin immediately after the induction of anaesthesia or no intervention. Wound morbidity was monitored by an independent research nurse for 42 days after surgery.

RESULTS:

The incidence of wound infection was similar in the two groups: 10 of 311 (3.2 percent) in the flucloxacillin group and 14 of 307 (4.6 percent) in the control group (chi(2) = 0.75, P = 0.387; relative risk 0.71, 95 percent confidence interval 0.32 to 1.53). The groups also had similar wound scores and rates of moderate or severe cellulitis. Wound infection presented a median of 16 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION:

The administration of a single dose of flucloxacillin failed to reduce the rate of wound infection after non-reconstructive breast surgery.

• Authors: J C Hall, P C Willsher, J L Hall
• Journal: The British journal of surgery (Br J Surg) Vol. 93 Issue 11 Pg. 1342-6 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 0007-1323 [Print] England
• PMID: 16989011 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Floxacillin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis (methods)
• Female
• Floxacillin (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Male
• Mammaplasty (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Preoperative Care (methods)
• Surgical Wound Infection (prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome