This is a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial on the routine use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in modified radical mastectomy to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast care.

A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial on the routine use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in modified radical mastectomy to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast care.

Women with breast cancer who will undergo elective MRM were recruited for the study. Excluded were patients with significant co-morbid factors, for simultaneous breast reconstruction or bilateral oophorectomy, with intake of antibiotics within one week, with known allergy to cephalosporins, and those with local infection. Patients were randomized to receive either transvenous cefazolin 1 gram or sterile water only within 30 minutes prior to skin incision. Standard skin preparation and operative technique for MRM were carried out. Wounds were assessed for the presence of SSI and other complications weekly for 30 days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with histologically diagnosed breast cancer of age group 18-80 years old, ECOG 0-1, clinical stage I to IIIB, admitted to the surgery ward, who were scheduled for elective MRM.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women with significant co-morbid factors (diabetes mellitus, severe malnutrition, corticosteroid therapy), those scheduled for simultaneous breast reconstruction or bilateral oophorectomy, with intake of antibiotics within one week prior to surgery, with known allergy to cephalosporins, and those with local infection.