Prevention of wound sepsis in amputations by peri-operative antibiotic cover with an amoxycillin-clavulanic acid combination.

In a series of 44 patients with lower limb ischaemia requiring amputation for major limb sepsis, the performance of a new antibiotic combination with beta-lactamase-inhibiting properties, amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid (A-CA) (Augmentin; Beecham), was compared with that of penicillin in the prevention of wound infection. The sepsis rate of 12,9% in the group of patients receiving peri-operative A-CA was significantly lower than the 76,9% in the penicillin control group (x2 = 14,48; P less than 0,001). It is concluded that there is a need for peri-operative antibiotic cover in this situation and that A-CA appears to be highly effective. No statistical difference was found as regards development of sepsis in wounds closed primarily or left open while under A-CA cover.