Effectiveness of single over triple dose antibiotic prophylaxis in open inguinal hernioplasty

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia is the commonest type of external hernias. Lichtenstein tension free mesh repair is the most favoured technique of inguinal hernia repair nowadays for weakened inguinal wall using polypropylene mesh. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of single versus triple dose antibiotic in reduction of postoperative wound infection in hernioplasty. Method: This is a prospective study done on patients in General Surgery Department, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Science, Kulaseharam, Kaniyakumari Dist., India., from 1st june 2018 to 30th November 2020. Total 120 patients were divided into 2 groups of 60 patients each in which Group-A received single dose antibiotic prophylaxis (Inj. Cefotaxim 1gm iv 30mins before surgery) and Group-B received 3 doses of antibiotic therapy (Inj. Cefotaxim 1gm iv 30 mins before surgery, post operatively 2 doses in 12hrs interval). Results: A total of 120 patients were included. Age of the patients ranged from 18 to 65 (Mean 46.21) years. In Group-A SSI was observed in 5 patients (8.33%) while 55 patients (91.66%) had a healthy scar. In Group-B SSI was seen in 4 patients (6.66%) and 56 patients (93.33%) had healthy scars. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.72). Conclusion: Single dose antibiotic among patients undergoing open mesh repair for inguinal hernia is preferred option to prevent postoperative infection and it is cost effective too.