CAJ | 학술논문

Intrarectal metronidazole suppository has been used preoperatively in the prevention of wound infection after surgery for acute appendicitis in a series of 62 children since Dec. , 1983 at our hospitals. A group of 57 cases treated around the same season one year before without metronidazole treatment were taken as control. The two groups had similarities in several aspects, such as sex, age, the ways of skin disinfection, the selection of incision and operation, and even the surgeons involved. In both groups, penicillin, streptomycin or gentamycin was prescribed prophylactically before and after operation. The results showed that the total wound infection rate of the metronidazole group was 4.8%and the non-matronidazole group was 14%. In theperforated cases, the former had an infection rate of 4%while the latter had one of 31.25%. The difference is obvious. The average hospitalization time for those without wound infection was 9 days and it was 17.6days for those suffering from wound infection. The authors conclude that prophylactic use of intrarectal metronidazole before operation is effective in the prevention of wound infection from appendectomy, and it is an economic, highly effective and safe choice therapy when combined with gentamycin, kanamycin and chloromycetin.