Do routine antibiotics after loop diathermy excision reduce morbidity?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether routinely giving an antibiotic after loop diathermy excision of the cervical transformation zone reduced post-operative vaginal loss.


METHODS
Prospective, randomised, double-blind placebo controlled parallel study.


METHODS
Five hundred women undergoing loop diathermy excision in a colposcopy clinic.


METHODS
Administration of either ofloxacin 400 mg (2x200 mg) once daily for 5 days or an identical placebo.


METHODS
Vaginal loss, assessed using a pictorial chart.


RESULTS
No significant difference in post-operative vaginal loss was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine antibiotic prophylaxis after loop diathermy excision is not justified.
Foden-Shroff
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust, Harpfields, Stoke on Trent, UK.
Redman
C W
CW
Tucker
H
H
Millinship
J
J
Thomas
E
E
Warwick
A
A
Jones
P W
PW
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods; D003972:Diathermy / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000628:therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015242:Ofloxacin