Do I need antibiotics after laparoscopic appendectomy?

Do I need antibiotics after laparoscopic appendectomy?

In patients with a complex appendicitis, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended after appendectomy. There is no consensus regarding the optimum duration of antibiotics. Guidelines propose 3 to 7 days of treatment, but shorter courses may be as effective in the prevention of infectious complications.

Are antibiotics given after appendectomy?

In American guidelines, an antibiotic length of 4 to 7 days is advised after complicated appendicitis. To our knowledge, few studies have investigated the reduction of antibiotic administration after appendectomy and these were mostly performed in children.

Why are antibiotics given after appendectomy?

Patients with perforated appendicitis after appendectomy are universally treated with a variable course of postoperative therapeutic antibiotics because of heavy contamination of wound and peritoneal cavity (6, 7).

Can amoxicillin treat appendicitis?

Researchers have suggested that antibiotics could cure acute appendicitis. We assessed the efficacy of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid by comparison with emergency appendicectomy for treatment of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

How long does it take to treat appendicitis with antibiotics?

Metronidazole or tinidazole was often added. The total duration of antibiotic treatment was 8 to 15 days. The overall incidence of complications of appendicitis (perforation, peritonitis and surgical wound infections) was 25% in the immediate appendectomy group versus 18% in the antibiotic group.

How common is infection after appendectomy?

One of the most common complications following appendectomy is infection. Around 20 per cent of people who have a ruptured appendix develop an abscess (ball of pus) within the abdominal cavity about two weeks or so after the appendectomy.

How long does appendicitis take to heal with antibiotics?

Antibiotic therapy required three days of intravenous antibiotics given in the hospital, plus seven days of oral antibiotics.

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