Prophylaxis of infection following colorectal surgery

Due to the high incidence of infective complications following colorectal surgery, prophylactic application of systemic antibiotics is required. In a prospective, randomised study of 34 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery, it was found that a single 1 g dose of cefotaxime was as effective as three doses in controlling post-operative infections. Both groups received 500 mg metronidazole i.v. every 12 h for 72 h, with the first dose administered immediately prior to surgery. The results indicate that prophylactic cefotaxime and metronidazole are effective in reducing the incidence of septic complications following colorectal surgery; nevertheless, a study with a larger number of patients is needed to reach a definitive conclusion.