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.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust, Harpfields, Stoke on Trent, UK.
J
J
Foden-Shroff
C W
CW
Redman
H
H
Tucker
J
J
Millinship
E
E
Thomas
A
A
Warwick
P W
PW
Jones
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