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Prophylactic Antibiotics for Abdominal and Vaginal Hysterectomy

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Strategies in Gynecologic Surgery

Part of the book series: Clinical Perspectives in Obstetrics and Gynecology ((CPOG))

Abstract

Adoption of the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) concept has altered many aspects of health care, and may be the impetus necessary to alter the overutilization of antimicrobials for the prevention of major infection after hysterectomy. There is no disagreement about the necessity to prevent infection in the pelvis or in the abdominal wound following hysterectomy. Hospital stay may be prolonged for up to 2 weeks if an infection develops. Because of the pathogens involved, abscesses may form and a second operative procedure may be required. Gynecologic surgeons are interested in a zero percent incidence of infection. Even with antimicrobial prophylaxis, this standard is usually not attainable. Major infection after hysterectomy with prophylaxis is between 5% and 10%. If the incidence of major infection without prophylaxis is within this range, prophylaxis is not indicated, unless the gynecologist can identify a high-risk group of patients.

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Authors
  1. David L. Hemsell
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh—Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA

    Herbert J. Buchsbaum M.D.

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, USA

    Leslie A. Walton M.D.

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© 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Hemsell, D.L. (1986). Prophylactic Antibiotics for Abdominal and Vaginal Hysterectomy. In: Buchsbaum, H.J., Walton, L.A. (eds) Strategies in Gynecologic Surgery. Clinical Perspectives in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4924-5_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4924-5_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9361-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-4924-5

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