Prophylactic antibiotics alone versus combined prophylaxis and postoperative antibiotics for preventing surgical-site infections associated with ear and nose reconstructive surgery

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to acquire supporting data for the rational use of antibiotics in plastic reconstructive surgery in the Ear-Nose-Throat/Head and Neck Surgery Department at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital–Faculty of Medicine Indonesia University. Methods: This pilot study, with a negative trial design, included 12 subjects who were randomly divided into two groups: Preoperative prophylactic antibiotic-only group and a combination of prophylactic and postoperative antibiotic group (controls). Results: The results showed that only 1 of the 12 subjects (in the prophylactic antibiotic-only group) developed an SSI. None of the controls (combined-use group) had an SSI. The difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: The use of postoperative antibiotic appears not to be necessary in plastic reconstructive surgery patients to prevent SSIs. Further study, however, is required to support the findings of this study.