prophylactic antibiotics (appendicectomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
If the diagnosis is suspected appendicitis, the patient should be given broad-spectrum antibiotics. Many agents have been tried:
- cephalosporin and metronidazole:
- widely favoured
- metronidazole suppository can be given with pre-medication e.g. 1g adults or 500mg children
- ampicillin and clavulanic acid
- cefoxitin
- aminoglycoside and metronidazole or clindamycin
The timing of prophylaxis is vital. It should be given at induction. The duration of therapy is dependent on the operative findings. Generally, only a couple of doses of antibiotics are necessary for early, uncomplicated appendicitis. Those with a perforated or necrotic appendix or an appendix mass should be given a more prolonged course e.g. 7-10 days.