TINIDAZOLE PROPHYLAXIS IN ELECTIVE ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a single dose (2 g) of tinidazole befo re abdominal hysterectomy could reduce the incidence of postoperative infection. METHOD: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was undertaken with a single oral dose (2 g) of tinidazole, 12 h befor e surgery, in 100 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for vario us benign diseases. Other antibiotic use was withheld until there was no postoperative infection. RESULT: A significant reduction (P < 0.05) of infectious morbidity (28% vs. 8%) as well as a decrease in additio nal antibiotic use (P < 0. 01) and duration of hospital stay (P < 0.00 1) was observed Febrile morbidity was also reduced from 36% to 14% (P < 0.05). Tinidazole was tolerated well by all the patients. CONCLUSION : Tinidazole prophylaxis (2 g oral dose) is considered to be a simple, safe and effective way to reduce postoperative infection in abdominal hysterectomy.