Prevention of infections after obstetric and gynecologic surgery.

The need for antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy is well recognized, and the benefits of prophylaxis in cesarean section are relatively clear-cut. In contrast, only those patients at risk of serious complications from postoperative infection are considered candidates for prophylaxis after abdominal hysterectomy. This paper addresses the following questions: Does the patient need prophylaxis? If so, how should the most suitable antibiotic be selected?