Heal, Clare, Rosengren, Helena, and Hall, Leanne (2024) Clindamycin and bacterial load reduction as prophylaxis for surgical site infection after below-knee flap and graft procedures: A trial protocol. Australian Journal of General Practice, 53 (11). pp. 859-863.

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Abstract

Background and objectives: Management of skin cancer comprises a substantial proportion of general practitioner (GP) workload in Australia. Flap and graft procedures below the knee have an increased risk of infection. Antibiotic resistance is a threat to global health, and any decision about antibiotic prophylaxis must balance adverse outcomes of antibiotic use with patient morbidity. This study will investigate the effectiveness of two interventions to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) after below-knee surgery: (1) 450 mg of clindamycin preoperatively and postoperatively; and (2) preoperative chlorhexidine wash and nasal mupirocin.

Methods: This prospective randomised controlled trial will be conducted across three skin cancer clinics over nine months, with 155 participants. Consecutive patients presenting for below-knee flap and graft procedures will be eligible to participate. The primary outcome is superficial SSI in the first 30 days following excision. Secondary outcomes include adverse effects (anaphylaxis, skin irritation and foreign body reaction) and patterns of antibiotic resistance.

Results: As this is a study protocol paper, there are no results available to present.

Discussiom: As this is a study protocol paper, there are no results to be discussed.

Item ID:	86188
Item Type:	Article (Scholarly Work)
ISSN:	2208-7958
Copyright Information:	© The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2024
Date Deposited:	22 Jul 2025 03:18
FoR Codes:	32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3202 Clinical sciences > 320205 Dermatology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2001 Clinical health > 200105 Treatment of human diseases and conditions @ 100%
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