Abstract
Background: Twenty-four hours of perioperative antibiotics provides effective prophylaxis for most head and neck cancer resections. Many reconstructive surgeons have been hesitant to apply this standard to free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck. This prospective clinical trial compared short-course and long-course clindamycin prophylaxis for wound infection in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free-flap reconstruction. Methods: Seventy-four patients were randomized to receive short-course (3 doses) or long-course (15 doses) clindamycin perioperatively. Wound infections, fistulas, and other postoperative complications were documented by faculty surgeons who were blinded as to treatment group. Results: The differences in wound infections and other complications were statistically insignificant. No other independent predictors of wound complications emerged in this series of patients. Conclusions: Short-course clindamycin is as effective as long-course clindamycin in preventing wound infections after free-flap surgery for head and neck ablative defects.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 771-774 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology