The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Does single application of topical chloramphenicol to high risk surgical wounds reduce incidence of wound infection after minor surgery? Prospective randomised placebo controlled double blind trial BMJ 2009; 338: 211-214

Published: 1st January 2009

Authors: Heal CF, Buettner PG, Cruickshank R, Graham D, Browning S, Pendergast J et al et al.

Conclusion

The trial included 972 patients undergoing minor dermatological surgery. Application of chloramphenicol ointment after suturing reduced the wound infection rate from 11.0 to 6.6 per cent, P=0.01

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