The prevention of wound infection after head and neck resections: a pilot study using gentamicin impregnated beads.

A pilot study of 16 patients undergoing major head and neck resections is presented. At the end of surgery gentamicin (Garamycin) chains are inserted into the wound prior to skin closure and left in place for 48 hours. The rate of wound infection is shown to be low (6.25% requiring antibiotics, 18.75% overall); there have been no complications from use of the chains.