[Cost analysis: metronidazole-amikacin vs. preoperative monodose of ceftriaxone in appendicitis. Preliminary report].
BACKGROUND
Postoperative management of acute appendicitis in our country has been supported by results from studies overseas. Ampicillin, clindamycin and gentamicin is the classic association of antimicrobial drugs. However, it is expensive, unnecessary and risky. We believe that a single dose can be useful.


METHODS
We studied two groups comprised of 82 patients each in whom an appendectomy was performed. In group A an intravenous (i.v.) dose of ceftriaxone was given 30-240 minutes before skin incision. Group B or control group was comprised by the same number of patients previously operated and managed under traditional method (amikacin-metronidazole).


RESULTS
In group A, three wound infections and an intraperitoneal abscess were identified, while in group B only one wound infection was seen. Average cost for patients in group A was 2,108.91 pesos (approx. 200 US dollars). In group B, the average cost was 9,407.48 pesos (approx. 900 US dollars).


CONCLUSIONS
One dose of preoperative ceftriaxone proved to be most financially economical.
Baeza-Herrera
Carlos
C
Académico Titular, Academia Mexicana de Cirugía, Departamento de Cirugía General, Hospital Pediátrico Moctezuma. Oriente 158, número 189, Col. Moctezuma, Segunda Sección, México DF.
Jaimes
Gregorio
G
Rico-Mejía
Eduardo
E
Sanjuan-Fabián
Héctor
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D002443:Ceftriaxone