Cefotaxime and metronidazole in severe intra-abdominal infection

To assess the efficacy of cefotaxime in the treatment of severe intra-abdominal infections, we reviewed the bacteriology of secondary peritonitis and evaluated the efficacy of cefotaxime and metronidazole in 79 patients undergoing staged abdominal repair. We were able to demonstrate that the combination of an aggressive surgical policy with an effective antimicrobial regimen eliminates pathogens from the previously infected peritoneal cavity. Additional improvement in results awaits further advances in supportive care and/or methods to reverse the cascades of the excessive inflammatory or cytokine responses.