A randomized prospective study to compare cefotetan with cefuroxime plus metronidazole as prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgery

Abstract

This study compares the efficacy of cefotetan with the combination of cefuroxime plus metronidazole as antibiotic prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgery when given over the first 24 h postoperatively. There was no significant difference in wound infection rates between the two groups (14.7% for cefotetan and 13.9% for cefuroxime plus metronidazole), or the rates of other infective complications. Adverse reactions occurred with equal frequency in both treatment groups and no serious side effects occurred. Cefotetan is a safe and effective antibiotic for use as prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgery. Its advantages are that it is a single agent with a spectrum covering both aerobic Gram-negative rods and anaerobic organisms and, because of its long half-life, needs only to be given at 12-hourly intervals.