EFFICACY OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTICS IN REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in reduction mammoplasty has been random and its efficacy unproven. This study reviewed 106 consecutive inferior pedicle technique reduction mammoplasties. Two groups were id entified; 47 patients received prophylactic antibiotics and 59 patient s did not. The decision of who received prophylactic antibiotics was r andom based on resident rotation and resident preoperative orders. The demographics were equal between the antibiotic group and the control group. The wound infection rate and the rate of delayed healing were e xamined in both groups. There were no statistically significant differ ences in the infection rate or the rate of delayed wound healing in ei ther the antibiotic group or the control group. Individual risk factor s were also studied in each group. These risk factors included obesity , older age, smoking history, and large reductions. The use of prophyl actic antibiotics did not reduce the infection rate in any of these hi gh-risk groups. Comparing the individual risk factors for the remainde r of the patient population showed that the infection rate was higher in obese patients but was unaffected by prophylactic antibiotics. Dela yed healing was also higher in larger reductions but also was unaffect ed by the use of prophylactic antibiotics. We conclude that the use of prophylactic antibiotics in reduction mammoplasty is not efficacious in reducing the rate of wound infection or delayed healing.