Short-term cefotaxime prophylaxis reduces the failure rate in lower limb amputations

Abstract

The effect of prophylaxis with a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent in lower limb amputations was studied in a prospective, randomized investigation of 38 patients. Nineteen received cefotaxime (Claforan® and 19 served as controls. Three patients died in the immediate post-operative period. In the treatment group, 15/18 healed compared with 10/17 controls (P ≤ 0.001). We concluded that short-term cefotaxime prophylaxis increases the chances to achieve good stump healing. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.