Rational Use of Antibiotics in Patients Undergoing Appendectomy: A Prospective Study

Background & Objectives: Empirical antibiotics are being administered pre and post-operatively in acute appendicitis. The routine, widespread indiscriminate and prolonged antibiotic course has become an ailment in itself, as it gives rise to resistant strains of organisms. The present study was conducted in a tertiary care center, to formulate a plan for the rational use of antibiotics after appendectomy, so effective treatment could be given to those at high risk of developing septic complications. Methods: This is a prospective study done in General Surgery department at a Tertiary Care Centre from September 2014 to December 2016. 360 cases of appendectomy were studied in this study. Out of which 72 cases belonged to interval appendectomy group, 168 acute appendicitis and 120 cases belonged to the group appendicitis with complications like perforation and gangrene. Patients undergoing interval appendectomy received single dose of antibiotics. Patients having acute appendicitis (uncomplicated) received three doses of antibiotic prophylaxis and patients having complications like perforation and gangrene received antibiotic for 5 days. Post-operative complications like wound infection, wound gaping, etc. were recorded.