T-TUBE SUCTION DRAINAGE AND OR PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTICS - RANDOMIZED STUDY OF 451 HYSTERECTOMIES

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (6) , 665-670
Abstract
T-tube suction drainage of the retroperitoneal space and prophylactic antibiotics were evaluated alone and then in combination in a randomized study of 451 private patients undergoing abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. Compared with results in a control group, suction drainage alone and prophylactic antibiotics alone were equally effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative pelvic infection and febrile morbidity. Used in combination, there was further reduction in the incidence of pelvin infection and febrile morbidity. These results were not statistically different from those of either technique alone. Data indicate that hysterectomy is performed in a bacteriologically contaminated operative field and that a contaminated fluid collection routinely accumulates in the retroperitoneal space. Hysterectomy management as a potentially infected surgical wound is suggested.

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