The necessity of prophylactic antibiotics in uncomplicated appendicitis during childhood

J Pediatr Surg. 1992 May;27(5):586-8. doi: 10.1016/0022-3468(92)90453-e.

Abstract

A prospective, randomized, clinical study was done to evaluate the place of prophylactic antibiotics in uncomplicated childhood appendicitis. One hundred patients with uncomplicated appendicitis were randomly assigned to one of four groups, each consisting of 25 cases. Group 1 patients did not receive prophylactic antibiotic. Group 2, group 3, and group 4 patients received ornidazole, penicillin plus tobramycin, and piperacillin, respectively. The use of prophylactic antibiotics did not yield better results than the use of placebos. The rarity of infectious complications after uncomplicated appendicectomy may be unique for children. Although the need for antibiotic prophylaxis is well documented in adults, the rarity of infectious complications makes it highly questionable in the treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis in children.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Appendectomy* / adverse effects
  • Appendicitis / surgery*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Ornidazole / administration & dosage*
  • Penicillins / administration & dosage*
  • Piperacillin / administration & dosage*
  • Placebos
  • Preoperative Care
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control*
  • Tobramycin / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Penicillins
  • Placebos
  • Ornidazole
  • Tobramycin
  • Piperacillin