Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
Post operative infection, pyrexia and perioperative antimicrobial drug use in surgical colic patients
K D Freeman1, L L Southwood, J Lane
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA.
Reasons For Performing Study:
Infections are common complications in post operative colic patients. It is the impression of some surgeons that pyrexia in the early post operative period is a sign of infection and appropriate timing of perioperative antimicrobials will decrease the incidence of post operative infection.
Objective:
To determine the association between 1) post operative pyrexia and development of infection and 2) perioperative antimicrobial drug use and infection rate in post operative colic patients.
Methods:
Medical records of patients undergoing surgical treatment for colic were reviewed. Horses recovering from surgery and surviving >48 h were included. Data relating to case details, duration of surgery, post operative infection, peri- and post operative antimicrobial administration, presence, intensity and duration of pyrexia, were recorded. Data were analysed using standard statistical methods for simple comparisons between groups and by logistic regression for more complex comparisons.
Results:
One-hundred-and-thirteen horses were included in the final analyses, 48 (43%) of which were diagnosed with a post operative infection. Duration of surgery and anaesthesia were associated with post operative infection. Eighty-five percent of horses (n = 96) exhibited pyrexia (rectal temperature >38.3°C) post operatively. Peak temperature >39.2°C, time post surgery to peak temperature >48 h and duration of pyrexia >48 h were significantly associated with infection. In a combined model, time to first pyrexic >48 h post surgery, peak temperature and time to peak >48 h were equally weighted and the model's positive predictive value for post operative infection was 72%. Timing and dose rate of preoperative antimicrobials were not associated with infection but duration of post operative antimicrobial drug use was.
Conclusion And Clinical Relevance:
Slight to mild pyrexia (38-39.4°C) in the early post operative period is not necessarily associated with impending bacterial infection in colic patients and the use of antimicrobials in these patients may be costly and unnecessary.
Insights
Post operative pyrexia in colic patients does not always indicate infection. Early mild fever may not require antimicrobial treatment, potentially saving costs and unnecessary drug use.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Surgery
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Postoperative infections are common in colic patients.
- Surgeons often associate early postoperative fever with infection.
- Perioperative antimicrobials are thought to reduce infection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between postoperative pyrexia and infection in colic patients.
- To determine if perioperative antimicrobial use affects infection rates in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for horses treated surgically for colic.
- Inclusion criteria: survival >48 hours post-surgery.
- Data collected: case details, surgery/anesthesia duration, infection status, antimicrobial use, pyrexia (presence, intensity, duration).
- Statistical analysis: simple comparisons and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 43% of 113 horses developed postoperative infections.
- Surgery and anesthesia duration were linked to infection.
- 85% of horses had pyrexia (>38.3°C).
- Peak temperature (>39.2°C), delayed peak (>48h), and prolonged pyrexia (>48h) correlated with infection.
- Postoperative antimicrobial duration, but not timing or preoperative use, was associated with infection.
- Model predicting infection based on pyrexia timing and peak had 72% positive predictive value.
Conclusions:
- Mild early postoperative pyrexia (38-39.4°C) in colic patients doesn't always signal bacterial infection.
- Routine antimicrobial use in such cases may be unnecessary and costly.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications