Efficacy of Multiple Doses of Antibiotics in Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair at a Tertiary Rural Hospital

Background: Mesh repair of the anterior abdominal wall hernias is a popular technique and commonly accepted among the majority of surgeons. The technique used most frequently today is the tension free technique. It is uncertain whether extended period of antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary to prevent postoperative wound infection, especially when a foreign body like a polypropylene mesh is used. Methods: We have studied retrospectively the patients who received surgical treatment in department of Surgery at R L Jalappa Hospital, Tamaka, Kolar for anterior abdominal wall hernia during the period of December 2017- January 2013. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the doses of antibiotics administered. Results: In 280 out of 340 cases, a mesh of polypropylene was used. In our sample, we excluded 68 patients due to diseases that made the use of antibiotics necessary. We have studied the frequency of superficial and deep infections in correlation with the use of antibiotics (cephalosporins of third generation). Conclusion: No difference was observed in the incidence of surgical infection in relation to the duration and the doses of antibiotic cover. The wound infection rate in the current study does not support the use of multiple doses of antibiotics, as this rate does not differ from the rates of infection reported in the literature. Further studies are needed to clarify if antibiotic chemoprophylaxis with one dose or no chemoprophylaxis should be recommended.