Antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy, with special reference to the duration of the prophylaxis.

Two consecutive open studies were performed of the efficacy of a prophylactic cefuroxime/metronidazole combination in abdominal hysterectomy. The first group received a 24-h regimen, the second group a single pre-operative dose. The incidence of post-operative wound infections and urinary tract infections were similar in both groups [wound infections in 1/75 versus 2/84 patients (NS), urinary tract infections 4/75 versus 3/84 patients (NS), respectively, in the 24-h group and single-dose group]. No significant differences in other parameters, such as pyrexia and duration of post-operative hospitalization, could be detected.