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Subject Area

Internal Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background Antibiotics prescription before surgery is considered to be effective in reducing the infectious complications of appendectomy. As a result, most surgeons prescribe antibiotics before surgery for patients diagnosed with appendicitis. Objective The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of a single antibiotic dose compared with the concurrent regimen on the outcome of appendectomy, especially infective complications. Patients and methods A total of 60 cases diagnosed with appendicitis were included, and they were divided into two groups: group A (single dose of cefotaxime 1 g and metronidazole 500 mg before surgery) and group B (the same regimen was received, and it was repeated twice daily for 4 days). All cases were subjected to history taking, physical examination, and routine investigations. At follow-up, all cases were clinically assessed. Results There were no significant statistical differences between groups in age, sex, and BMI variables. No significant statistical differences were observed during the surgery and hospitalization period between two groups. Wound infection occurred in 10 and 6.67% of cases in both groups, respectively (P > 0.05). However, the cost was significantly higher in group B. Conclusion A single dose preoperative antibiotics appears to be as efficacious as concurrent regimen in preventing wound infections after appendectomy. Continuing antibiotic prophylaxis in the postoperative period was not necessary, and it added additional unnecessary financial costs.

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