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[Antibiotic prevention in acute appendicitis]
B L Dahlstrøm1, O Reiertsen, A R Rosseland
1Kirurgisk avdeling, Sentralsykehuset i Akershus, Nordbyhagen.
Summary
Preoperative metronidazole suppositories before appendectomy significantly reduced serious infections. This simple, low-cost prophylaxis yielded satisfying clinical results, supporting its continued use in surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Infection Prevention
- Pharmacological Prophylaxis
- Clinical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a potential complication following appendectomy.
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria, often implicated in abdominal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative metronidazole suppositories as prophylaxis in patients undergoing appendectomy.
- To assess the rate and severity of postoperative infections in patients receiving metronidazole prophylaxis.
- To determine the clinical satisfaction and cost-effectiveness of this prophylactic measure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy.
- Patients received metronidazole suppositories as preoperative prophylaxis.
- Postoperative infection rates and outcomes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Seven cases of postoperative infection were observed in the study cohort.
- None of the infections were serious or resulted in long-term complications (sequelae).
- The prophylactic use of metronidazole suppositories demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative metronidazole suppositories represent a simple and low-cost method for preventing infections after appendectomy.
- The practice has yielded satisfying clinical results, indicating its effectiveness.
- The department intends to continue using metronidazole suppositories for prophylaxis prior to appendectomy.