The role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in clean operative procedures at Muhimbili National Hospital

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in clean category of surgical operations at Muhimbili National Hospital, and the rate of postoperative wound infection, the duration of postoperative stay, and the need for postoperative antibiotics. / METHODS Patients who were scheduled for and underwent clean elective operations from January 2002 to November 2002 were randomized into two groups and followed for 30 days. One group, the study group, was given Ceftriaxone [Powerceff] at the induction of anaesthesia. The other group, the control group, was not given the antibiotic. Their demographic data were obtained, wounds examined and those who were found to have infected wounds, had pus swabs obtained for culture and sensitivity. Bacteriological pattern and the sensitivity pattern of the isolates were studied.