Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection after Tension-Free Hernia Repair: A Bayesian and Frequentist Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) after open tension-free hernia repair remains controversial. In light of additional data, the aim of this study was to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis reduces SSI after hernia repair. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotic prophylaxis and the subsequent incidence of SSI after inguinal or femoral hernia repair. The primary outcomes measure was the incidence of SSI. Subgroup analysis was evaluated by stratifying the categories of SSI. The meta-analysis was performed using Bayesian and frequentist methods. Twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis; 1,902 patients received antibiotic prophylaxis and the other 1,936 patients were allocated to the control group. Incidence of SSI was 47 (pooled rate 3.0%) in the antibiotic group and 91 (6.0%) in the control group. The number needed to treat to prevent 1 episode of SSI is 41. The Bayesian meta-analysis yielded a significant reduction of SSI in the antibiotic group (odds ratio = 0.49; 95% credible interval 0.25-0.81). Subgroup analysis showed that an antibiotic prophylaxis was beneficial for the prevention of superficial SSI (odds ratio = 0.40; 95% credible interval 0.12-0.98), but not beneficial for prevention of deep SSI (odds ratio = 0.59; 95% credible interval 0.11-3.20). Also, the results were similar to those with frequentist methods. This meta-analysis suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis is efficacious for the prevention of SSI after open mesh hernia repair.