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Prophylactic metronidazole in appendectomy: a double-blind controlled trial.
Surgery
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Prophylactic metronidazole did not significantly reduce wound infections after appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Further research is needed to confirm its potential benefits in preventing postoperative complications.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Infections
- Clinical Trials
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Postoperative wound infections are a common complication following appendectomy.
- The role of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing these infections requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic metronidazole in reducing the incidence of postoperative wound infections in patients with nonperforated acute appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, blinded, randomized trial was conducted involving 72 patients undergoing appendectomy.
- Patients received either intravenous metronidazole or a placebo preoperatively and postoperatively.
- Wound infections were monitored, and microbial cultures of the appendiceal stump were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The overall postoperative wound infection rate was 8.2% (6/72).
- Metronidazole recipients had a 6.6% infection rate, compared to 9.5% in the placebo group (P = 0.54).
- No adverse effects or toxicity were observed with metronidazole use.
Conclusions:
- The study did not achieve statistical significance to demonstrate metronidazole's efficacy in preventing wound infections in this patient group.
- A trend towards reduced infection rates in the metronidazole group suggests potential benefit, warranting further investigation.