Background: Nowadays herniorraphies are surgical procedures widely performed. The use of prophylatic antibiotics with the goal to reduce infection rates at the wound remains as a matter of discussion. This study analises the benefits of antibioticprophylaxis on hernia repair, concerning reduction in both morbidity and hospital expenses.

Method: One hundred and twenty patients who have undergone inguinal herniorraphies at the Santa Casa Hospital Complex of Porto Alegre were analised prospectively, with a 3-month postoperative follow-up period. Nineteen pacients were excluded from the study because of lack of follow-up. Patients were divided in 2 groups: with and without the use of intravenous Cefalotine 1g, one hour before the procedure. Groups were similar as for the variables analised.

Results: A total of 12 (12,1%) patients presented with wound infections. A higher infection rate was verified in the group without antibioticprophylaxis (14,6% against 9,4%), however this diference wasn’t significative (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Our study, just as the literature, does not allow one to conclude about the antibioticprophylaxis efficacy in inguinal hernia repairs.

Key Words: Inguinal Hernia – Infection – Antibioticprophylaxis