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A study on 218 children undergoing appendectomy found that combined ampicillin-metronidazole therapy significantly reduced infectious complications to under 3%, even with perforated appendices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure in children.
- Appendicitis, particularly perforated appendicitis, can lead to significant post-operative complications.
- Antimicrobial therapy is crucial in managing appendicitis.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined ampicillin-metronidazole antimicrobial therapy in preventing infectious complications following appendectomy in children.
- To assess the complication rate in pediatric patients receiving this specific antimicrobial regimen during surgery.
Summary:
- Appendectomy was performed on 218 children under 16; 199 cases confirmed appendicitis.
- Perforation was present in one-third of cases.
- Combined ampicillin-metronidazole therapy initiated during surgery resulted in a complication rate below 3%.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of perioperative ampicillin-metronidazole in minimizing post-appendectomy infections in pediatric patients.
- Provides evidence for optimizing antimicrobial strategies in the surgical management of childhood appendicitis.
- Highlights the potential to reduce morbidity associated with perforated appendicitis in children.
Abstract:
In 218 children of less than 16 years old appendectomy was performed. Presence of appendicitis was confirmed histologically in 199 cases. The ratio boys to girls was two to one. In one third the appendix had perforated. Administration of a combined Ampicillin-Metronidazole antimicrobial therapy, started during surgery, proved to be very efficacious in avoiding infectious complications. In this group the complication rate remained below 3%.