Comparison of lavage or intravenous antibiotics at cesarean section.

Abstract

The route of administration of prophylactic antibiotics was studied in a randomized prospective trial. Cefoxitin was administered to high-risk patients at cesarean section by three treatment regimens: intravenous antibiotic (2 g) for eight doses, irrigation of uterus and peritoneum with 2 g of antibiotic, and a combination of intravenous and irrigation as described. A control group received no antibiotic prophylaxis. The incidence of febrile morbidity was similar in each treatment group: intravenous, two of 39 (5%); irrigation, three of 42 (7%); intravenous and irrigation, two of 38 (5%), and were all significantly lower than the control group 14 of 39 (36%) (P less than .05). Similar results were found when prevention of endometritis was the end point: intravenous, two of 39 (5%); irrigation, two of 42 (5%); intravenous and irrigation, two of 38 (5%) compared with 13 of 39 (33%) in the control group (P less than .05). Administration of antibiotics by irrigation is equally effective in preventing postoperative febrile morbidity and endomyometritis as intravenous dosing and a combination of intravenous and irrigation. This affords a potential cost savings.

• Authors: J P Elliott, J F Flaherty
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 67 Issue 1 Pg. 29-32 (Jan 1986) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3510014 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Cefoxitin

Topics

• Adult
• Cefoxitin (administration & dosage)
• Cesarean Section (adverse effects)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Endometritis (prevention & control)
• Female
• Humans
• Infusions, Parenteral
• Pregnancy
• Premedication (methods)
• Prospective Studies
• Random Allocation
• Risk
• Surgical Wound Infection (prevention & control)
• Therapeutic Irrigation