Use of prophylactic antibiotics in a paediatric day-case surgery at NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria: A randomized double-blinded study

This was a randomized double-blinded study to assess the need for prophylactic antibiotics in paediatric day-case surgery, as well as the cost implication. Group A received preoperative intravenous ampiclox and vitamin B complex in doses appropriate for weight and age, while group B received only vitamin B complex as a placebo. The study was completed by 138 (95.2%) patients in group A, and by 140 (97.2%) patients in group B. Wound infection was seen in seven (5%) patients in group A and six (4.3%) patients in group B. The average cost of hernia repair in group A was US$43 and US$31.1 in group B. © 2006, Royal Society of Medicine Press. All rights reserved.