Comparison between topical bacitracin and neomycin with pyodine for prophylaxis against wound infection in appendicectomy

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of prophylactic use of topical Bacitracin-Neomycin [Bivalek spray] with pyodine [solution] against wound infection in appendicectomy. Random control trial. Department of Surgery, Military Hospital Rawalpini, Pakistan. One year from 15 Jan, 2007 to 14 Jan 2008. A total of 100 patients of acute appendicitis who underwent appendicectomy. Patients were randomly allotted to either group A in which the post appendicectomy wound sepsis was managed by using Bacitracin-Neomycin [n=50] or to group B, in which wound was managed by using pyodine [n=50]. Outcomes were measured by absence or presence of oedema, discharge from the wound and erythema at wound site, wound dehiscence or fistula formation. Comparison between two groups revealed infection rate of 14% in group A and 8% in group B with no significant difference in wound infection [p value = 0.388]. Topical Bacitracin-Neomycin [Bivalek Spray] is equally effective as pyodine for prophylaxis against wound infection after appendicectomy