Abstract | BACKGROUND: Surgeons frequently create defects on the ear in the treatment of cutaneous malignancies. Potentially significant complications of second-intention healing on the ear are suppurative and inflammatory chondritis. Consequently, many physicians advocate the use of oral or topical prophylactic antibiotics after auricular surgery. OBJECTIVE: METHODS: One hundred forty-two patients with a total of 147 second-intention wounds were prospectively selected to receive either gentamicin ointment or petrolatum postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four wounds were evaluated in a follow-up examination or by telephone interview. Eight (5.56%) wounds developed suppurative chondritis. Four wounds received gentamicin and four received petrolatum, for incidences of 4.76% and 6.67%, respectively. Twelve (8.33%) other wounds developed inflammatory chondritis. Ten (11.90%) received gentamicin and two (3.33%) received petrolatum. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant difference between the use of gentamicin ointment and petrolatum in the prevention of postoperative auricular suppurative chondritis. The data also demonstrate a disproportionate number of cases of inflammatory chondritis in the gentamicin-treated group. This study supports the cost-effective and potentially less irritating use of petrolatum for wound care in this difficult to manage area.
|
Authors | Ross M Campbell, Clifford S Perlis, Emily Fisher, Hugh M Gloster Jr |
Journal | Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
(Dermatol Surg)
Vol. 31
Issue 6
Pg. 664-9
(Jun 2005)
ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15996417
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Emollients
- Gentamicins
- Petrolatum
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Antibiotic Prophylaxis
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell
(surgery)
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
(surgery)
- Cartilage Diseases
(prevention & control)
- Ear Neoplasms
(surgery)
- Emollients
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Gentamicins
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Male
- Mohs Surgery
- Petrolatum
(therapeutic use)
- Prospective Studies
- Skin Neoplasms
(surgery)
- Wound Healing
|