Role of Topical Antibiotics in the Prevention of Poatappendectomy Wound Infection

Category: Colorectal Aims: Despite improved asepsis and surgical techniques, postoperative wound infection still accounts for a significant morbidity. Studies showed that antibiotics reduce the risk of postappendectomy wound infection. Our aim was to determine role of topical antibiotic in reducing postappendectomy wound infection. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent appendectomy from 1 st January 2001 to 30 th June 2004. 293 patients were included to assess and compare the efficacy of topical antibiotic to systemic antibiotic in prevention of wound infection. Results: 293 underwent surgery. M: F (55%:45%). Age: 5–73 (24). 36 (12%) had normal appendix, 257 (88%) had inflamed appendix, Patients were divided into three groups, 1st group 65 (22%) received topical cephradine one gram powder + metronidazole suppository, 2 (3%) had wound infection. 2nd group 43 (15%) received systemic antibiotic + cephradine one gram powder, 1 (2%) had wound infection. 3rd group 185 (63%) received systemic antibiotic, 10 (5.4%) had wound infection. Conclusions: It was found that the use of topical antibiotics alone or in adjunct with systemic antibiotics were superior to systemic antibiotics alone to reduce wound infection. However, further multi- centers trial is required to assess this hypothesis.