Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Appendectomy Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Kasatpibal Nongyao, Nørgaard Mette, Sørensen Henrik Toft, Schønheyder Henrik Carl, Jamulitrat Silom, Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Primary Institution: Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg and Aarhus, Denmark
Hypothesis
What is the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing surgical site infections among appendectomy patients in Thailand?
Conclusion
A single-dose combination of metronidazole and gentamicin is effective in reducing surgical site infections in uncomplicated appendicitis patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 2139 appendectomy patients.
- 26 surgical site infections were identified, yielding a rate of 1.2 infections per 100 operations.
- 92% of patients received antibiotic prophylaxis.
- Prolonged operation duration was significantly associated with increased SSI risk.
Takeaway
Giving antibiotics before surgery helps prevent infections in patients who have their appendix removed.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study conducted in eight hospitals in Thailand from July 2003 to June 2004, using logistic regression analysis to assess risk factors for surgical site infections.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of surgical site infections and variations in antibiotic administration practices.
Limitations
The study did not account for differences in surgical techniques and had limited follow-up for post-discharge infections.
Participant Demographics
53.1% women, median age 26 years, with 72.4% classified as emergency surgeries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.30 for one-day prophylaxis, 0.32 for multiple-day prophylaxis, 0.28 for single-dose combination.
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.09–0.90 for single-dose combination, 0.10–0.88 for one-day prophylaxis, 0.10–0.98 for multiple-day prophylaxis.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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