The effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in vaginal obstetric procedures (author's transl)]

202 cases of vaginal obstetric procedures (forceps and vacuum extraction, breech delivery and manual removal) were reviewed with regard to assessing the value of prophylactic administration of antibiotics. Criteria for the evaluation were fever post partum, duration of stay in hospital and involution of the uterus. The results showed that the prophylactic administration of antibiotics had no significant effect on these parameters, with or without the simultaneous administration of oxytocics. Hence, in view of the risk of allergic reactions, toxicity and the selection of resistant strains the prophylactic administration of antibiotics does not seem to be justified in vaginal obstetric procedures. Scrupulous aseptic precautions during all vaginal or intrauterine procedures are considered essential for the prevention of infection.