Use of a prophylactic antibiotic in elective major gynologic operations

The use of a prophylactic antibiotic in elective gynologic operations was evaluated in a prospective, double-blind, controlled study. Morbidity in those patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy was 41% in the placebo group, and 14.1% in the drug group. In patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy morbidity was 50% in the control group and 4.1% in the drug group. More experienced surgeons had the same rate of morbidity as inexperienced ones. Hospital stay was significantly reduced for abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy patients treated with the drug.