Comparison between single dose preoperative and postoperative effect of an- tibiotics in reduction of post appendectomy complications

Abstract

Background and objectives: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergency conditions. This study was done to clarify the effect of antibiotics in reducing post appendectomy complications after open and laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with non-perforated appendicitis. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial. Three hundred and twenty one patients, who underwent appendectomy for non-perforated appendicitis and fulfilled the selection criteria, were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in group A received double dose of pre-operative and postoperative antibi- otics (third generation cephalosporin and metronidazole), while the group B patients received one dose of the same antibiotics pre-operatively. Patients of both groups were followed-up for 30 days to assess postoperative infective complications. Results: Group A had 133, while group B comprised of 188 patients. The groups were comparable in the baseline characteristics. Statistically, there was no significant difference in rates of localized wound complications between both groups (p = 0.4713). Mean hospital stay was 2.1 ± 0.73 and 2 ± 0.48 days for group A and B respectively Conclusions: Single dose of pre or post-operative antibiotics (third generation cephalosporin and metronidazole) was sufficient in reducing the wound related complications after appendectomy for non-perforated appendicitis.