Tinidazole prophylaxis in elective abdominal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a single dose (2 g) of tinidazole before 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 before surgery, in 100 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for various 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 additional antibiotic use (P < 0.01) and duration of hospital stay (P < 0.001) 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.