Comparison of Antimicrobials Used for Surgical Prophylaxis in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Ayurveda and Modern Medicine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Antimicrobial prophylaxis is essential during cesarean section since the risk of infection is high. Some complications are encountered during the surgery such as surgical site infections (SSIs), endometritis, and urinary tract infection. Different antimicrobial agents (AMAs) are used for prophylaxis in allopathy and Ayurveda. The present study was planned to find out the pattern of usage of antimicrobials in women undergoing cesarean section from both systems of medicine. Methodology: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional, unicentric, descriptive study was conducted during the period of June 2022 to September 2022. Women undergone lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) from allopathy and Ayurveda, department of gynecology and obstetrics were included in the study. Information about demographic details, antibiotic used with duration, number, generic or branded, details about wound healing and SSIs was recorded. Results: Cefuroxime and metronidazole were the most commonly prescribed AMAs. From the total participants, 44% were below the age of 25 years and 50% were primigravida. Thirty-four percentage women were undergone elective LSCS whereas 66% were emergency LSCS because of various indications. All the drugs were prescribed with band names. No SSI was observed in the patients of both systems of medicine. All the patients from the Ayurveda received the AMAs along with other Ayurvedic medicines. Conclusion: Preoperative prophylaxis was given to all the patients at the right time. No infection was observed in all the patients. However, compared with the duration of treatment, Ayurvedic patients received antimicrobials for longer duration which needs attention.