Comparison of Cefuroxime and Cefazolin: Prophylaxis Against Infection in Arterial Reconstructive Surgery

A prospective randomized study of 55 patients receiving prophylaxis with cefuroxime versus 55 patients receiving prophylaxis with cefazolin against post operative wound infection was conducted from August 1986, through January 1988. Two of the cefuroxime-treated patients and 8 of the cefazolin-treated patients developed postoperative wound infections (p<0.05). There were no graft infections. Cefuroxime represents an excellent alternative to the presently used cefazolin as prophylaxis against postoperative wound infections in arterial recon structive surgery.