Use of a local gentamicin preparation ('Garamycin' Chains) as prophylaxis against infection in major head or neck surgery: a pilot study.

A pilot study was carried out in 16 patients undergoing major head or neck surgery to assess the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis against wound infection using a local gentamicin preparation. Chains of 8 beads containing 7.5 mg gentamicin sulphate per bead, the drug being released over a prolonged period, were inserted on both sides of the operative wound before closure and left in place for 48 hours before removal. The results showed that only 3 of the 16 patients developed any clinical or bacteriological evidence of post-operative wound infection over the following 3 days. The chains proved easy to use. Satisfactory wound closure was obtained in all cases and there were no problems in their removal.