[Cost analysis: metronidazole-amikacin vs. preoperative monodose of ceftriaxone in appendicitis. Preliminary report]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Infection Prophylaxis
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Appendicitis Management

Background:

• Traditional appendicitis treatment involves expensive, multi-drug regimens like ampicillin, clindamycin, and gentamicin.
• Overseas studies inform postoperative management, but local cost-effectiveness requires evaluation.
• A single-dose antibiotic regimen is hypothesized to be beneficial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes of a single preoperative dose of ceftriaxone versus traditional multi-drug therapy for appendectomy.
• To determine if a simplified antibiotic protocol can reduce healthcare costs without compromising patient safety.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 164 patients undergoing appendectomy, divided into two groups of 82.
• Group A received a single intravenous dose of ceftriaxone pre-incision; Group B received traditional amikacin-metronidazole therapy.
• Outcomes assessed included wound infections, abscess formation, and treatment costs.

Main Results:

• Group A experienced three wound infections and one intraperitoneal abscess, while Group B had one wound infection.
• The average cost for Group A was significantly lower (2,108.91 pesos) compared to Group B (9,407.48 pesos).
• Despite a slightly higher rate of certain infections, the single-dose ceftriaxone regimen was substantially more economical.

Conclusions:

• A single preoperative dose of ceftriaxone is a financially economical choice for appendectomy patients.
• This simplified antibiotic approach offers a cost-saving alternative to traditional, multi-drug regimens.
• Further research may explore broader application and long-term outcomes of single-dose prophylaxis.