Comparison between usages of a single preoperative metronidazole dose with other antibiotic regimens in nonperforated acute appendicitis

ABSTRACT

In this study, the safety and efficacy of a single dose of metronidazole in preoperative prophylaxis in nonperforated appendicitis were evaluated. Records of 866 patients underwent appendectomy were evaluated and 11.43% [99] of these patients received 500 mg of metronidazole only before undergoing operation on induction for anaesthesia. Factors known to affect the incidence of wound infection, such as abdominal or wound drains, and the inclusion of patients with perforated or ruptured appendicitis, were eliminated. The patients were divided into three groups patients with a normal appendix, patients with an acutely inflamed appendix, and patients with a gangrenous appendix. The study showed for each group a significant reduction of the incidence of wound infection in patients receiving prophylaxis. Routine preoperative prophylaxis is recommended before appendectomy. The findings demonstrated that more than ninety-four percent of the wound infections were detected after discharge from the hospital strongly indicate the need for follow-up