A comparison of aztreonam/metronidazole and cefotaxime/metronidazole in elective colorectal surgery: antimicrobial prophylaxis must include gram-positive cover.
Aztreonam/metronidazole and cefotaxime/metronidazole were compared in a prospective trial in 154 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Three antibiotic doses were given over 16 hours. A significant excess of wound sepsis in the aztreonam group was seen (23/71 vs 9/70 chi 2 6.60; P less than 0.01). Sepsis was almost invariably due to Gram-positive organisms and, in particular, Staphylococcus aureus.
Morris
D L
DL
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Nottingham, UK.
Wilson
S R
SR
Pain
J
J
Edwardson
K F
KF
Jones
J
J
Strachan
C
C
Slack
R
R
D001398:Aztreonam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002439:Cefotaxime / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*
D008795:Metronidazole; D001398:Aztreonam; D002439:Cefotaxime