Profilaxis antibiótica en la hernioplastia inguinal

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in inguinal hernia repair with prosthetic material. Material and method: We performed a prospective, randomized study in 250 patients who underwent elective surgery for uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernia. In all patients, tension-free hernioplasty with polypropylene mesh was performed. One hundred twenty-five patients received antibiotic prophylaxis with 2 g amoxicillin/clavulanic acid administered 15- 30 minutes before surgery was started. The remaining 125 patients received no prophylaxis. The two groups were homogeneous in age, sex, ASA anesthetic risk, type of anesthetic used in surgery, type of hernia, operating time and rates of conversion to hospitalization. Results: There was only one case of surgical wound infection, which occurred in the group of patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis. The infection was cured after drainage and antibiotic treatment, and the mesh did not require withdrawal. No other infectious complications were observed. Conclusions: The surgical wound infection rate in uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair is very low and does not seem to be improved by antibiotic prophylaxis. © 2004 Asociación Española de Cirujanos.