SINGLE-DOSE TINIDAZOLE PROPHYLAXIS IN VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and side effects of a single dose of tinidazole for infection following vaginal hysterectomy. METHOD: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial using 2 g tinidazole 12 h before vaginal hysterectomy in 50 patients was conducted. No oth er antibiotic was used until the development of infection. RESULT: The re was a significant reduction (P < 0.01) of post-operative vaginal cu ff cellulitis (54-16%). A similar reduction (P < 0.05) in febrile morb idity was also observed The duration of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0. 001) and use of additional antibiotics (P < 0.01) were also redu ced. No adverse effect of tinidazole was noted. CONCLUSION: A single d ose of tinidazole appears to be a safe and effective alternative preve ntion against infection in vaginal hysterectomy.