Prophylactic antibiotics for mesh inguinal hernioplasty

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in mesh hernioplasty. Data source: Studies were indentified by searching databases of Cochrane Hernia Trialists Collaboration, Cochrane Collaboration, MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS. Study selection: Six randomized controlled trials that evaluated mesh inguinal hernia repair were included. All article selection and data extraction was completed independently by 2 researches, and conflicts were resolved by consensus. Outcome measure: Surgical site infection (SSI). Results: A total of 2507 patients were analyzed. The SSI frequency was 1.3% in the antibiotic group compared with 2.89% in the control group (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.85). Statistical heterogeneity was not identified; the number needed to treat was identified as 66 (95% CI 38–258). Sensitivity analysis by quality did not show differences in overall results. Conclusion: Antibiotic use in patients with mesh inguinal hernioplasty decreased the rate of SSI by almost 50%.