ASSESSMENT OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTIC USE IN OPEN INGUINAL HERNIA SURGERY: A STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

While the use of prophylactic antibiotics in clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty wounds is well-established, their role in clean surgeries, such as Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty, remains controversial. The unnecessary use of antibiotics is discouraged due to potential complications. As inguinal hernia repair is a common procedure performed worldwide, limiting the indiscriminate use of antibiotics could have significant benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, reducing the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, and minimizing the risk of antibiotic-related toxic or allergic reactions (1). This case-control study, conducted at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore from August 2022 to August 2024, aimed to evaluate whether systemic antibiotic prophylaxis prevents wound infections in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty. Aims & Objectives: To establish clear guidelines regarding the necessity of prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia surgery. To identify the risk factors contributing to surgical site infections. Methods: The study, conducted over a two-year period with follow-up, included 100 patients randomized into two groups. The first group received a third-generation cephalosporin, while the second group received no antibiotics prior to surgery. Observation & Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The age distribution between both groups was comparable, with the majority of patients being male. The age group most commonly represented was 41-50 years, accounting for 26% of cases. The overall complication rate was 5%, with 3 complications in the antibiotic group (Group A) and 2 in the non-antibiotic group (Group B). Conclusion: Based on our findings, it can be concluded that routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary for low-risk patients undergoing hernioplasty.