Frequency of wound infection in non-perforated appendicitis with use of single dose pre-operative antibiotics

Background: Antibiotics are used both pre and post operatively in acute appendicitis for preventing wound infection. It has been observed that the routine use of postoperative antibiotics is not necessary in cases of non-perforated appendicitis as only prophylactic antibiotics are sufficient to prevent wound infection. Aim: The aim of this study was to see the frequency of wound infection with the single dose pre-operative antibiotics. Materials and methods: Present observational study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, Govt. Stanley Medical College and Hospital for period of one year. A total of 100 patients with non-perforated appendicitis were followed for wound infection till 8th postoperative day. Results: 100 patients, 64 male and 36 female were included in this study. In entire series, 6 patients were developed wound infection. The infection was minor which settled with conservative therapy. Prophylactic single dose antibiotic is efficacious in 94% patients. Conclusion: Single dose pre-operative antibiotics were found to be effective in controlling post-operative wound infection without the need of extending antibiotics to post-operative period in cases of non-perforated appendicitis.