title: Use of a local gentamicin preparation ('Garamycin' Chains) as prophylaxis against infection in major head or neck surgery: a pilot study.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D037981:Neck Dissection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011292:Premedication; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D005839:Gentamicins