Levels of cefmenoxime in sera and peritoneal tissues of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery

It is not known whether a prophylactic antibiotic administered prior to surgery reaches adequate levels in the peritoneum, where peritonitis may take place. This study determined levels of cefmenoxime in sera and peritoneal tissues of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Fifteen patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal surgery received an intravenous drip infusion of cefmenoxime (2 g) over 1 h prior to surgery. In patients who underwent gastrectomy, the level of cefmenoxime in serum was 130.8 +/- 6.9 micrograms/ml at laparatomy and decreased to 5.0 +/- 0.7 micrograms/ml at 4 h. Levels in parietal peritoneal and omental tissues at laparotomy were 35.3 +/- 5.2 and 19.2 +/- 3.5 micrograms, respectively, and decreased time dependently. In patients who underwent cholecystectomy, the level of cefmenoxime in serum was 137.9 +/- 7.3 micrograms/ml at laparotomy and decreased to 5.0 +/- 1.2 micrograms/ml at 4 h. Levels in parietal peritoneal and omental tissues were 31.0 +/- 8.4 and 13.7 +/- 3.3 micrograms/g, respectively, and decreased time dependently. The level of cefmenoxime in serum correlated with the levels of cefmenoxime in parietal peritoneum (r = 0.64, P less than 0.01) and in omentum (r = 0.47, P less than 0.02). In patients with appendicitis who received a bolus injection of 2 g of cefmenoxime, the level of drug in inflammatory omental tissue correlated with the level in serum. The levels in peritoneal tissue during surgery lasting up to 2 h were significantly greater than in MIC of cefmenoxime against almost all bacteria reported. A preoperative single dose of 2 g of cefmenoxime probably is effective as a prophylactic for intraoperative contamination.