Related Experiment Videos
A double-blind controlled trial of metronidazole suppositories in children undergoing appendicectomy
Insights
Metronidazole suppositories did not prevent post-operative infections in children with appendicitis. This study suggests intra-rectal metronidazole alone is insufficient for effective childhood appendicitis prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- Post-operative infections are a concern in pediatric appendicitis.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly used to mitigate surgical site infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intra-rectal metronidazole suppositories as prophylaxis against post-operative infections in children undergoing appendectomy.
- To determine if short-term metronidazole use reduces wound infection or intra-abdominal sepsis.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
- 133 children (16 months to 15 years) with acute appendicitis received either metronidazole suppositories or placebo for 72 hours post-operatively.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in the incidence or severity of wound infections between the metronidazole and placebo groups.
- Similarly, no significant difference was found in the rates of post-operative intra-abdominal sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Intra-rectal metronidazole, when used as the sole prophylactic agent, is not sufficient for preventing post-operative infections in childhood appendicitis.
- Further research may be needed to explore alternative or combination prophylactic strategies.
Abstract:
A total of 133 children, aged 16 months to 15 years (mean 6.7 years), with presumptive acute appendicitis, was included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the short-term (72 hour) use of metronidazole suppositories as prophylaxis against post-operative infection. There was no significant difference in the incidence or severity of wound infection or post-operative intra-abdominal sepsis between the metronidazole-treated and placebo groups. It is suggested that intra-rectal metronidazole, when used exclusively, is not sufficient for effective prophylaxis for appendicitis in childhood.