Comparison of postoperative infection rates by use of single-dose with multiple-doses of prophylactic antibiotics in thyroidectomy.

Objective: To compare the postoperative wound infection rates in thyroidectomy patients receiving single-dose prophylactic antibiotics and multiple-dose regimens. Study Design: Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Surgical Ward, Narowal Medical College/DHQ Teaching Hospital, Narowal. Period: 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024. Methods: Patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy were randomized divided into two groups: Group A (single-dose) received a single ceftriaxone (1.0 g IV) 30 minutes before incision, and Group B (multiple-dose) received the same initial dose followed by three additional doses every 8 hours for 24 hours after surgery. Postoperative infections were evaluated on days 3, 7, and 30. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled, with 100 in each group. Among them 156 were females and 44 were male with male to female ratio was 78:22 percent (3.54: 1). The overall infection rate was 2% (4/200). Group A had an infection rate of 3% (3/100), while Group B had an infection rate of 1% (1/100), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.312. The cost of antibiotic therapy was significantly lower in Group A (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Single-dose prophylactic antibiotics are as effective as multiple-dose regimens in preventing postoperative infections in thyroidectomy, and lower costs.