Single and Simple Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Elective Cholecystectomy

Objective: To determine the postoperative infection result after use of a single and simple antibiotics for prophylaxis in open elective cholecystectomy. Study Design: Descriptive (quasi-experimental) study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from December 2006 to January 2008. Methodology: One hundred and sixteen patients requiring elective open cholecystectomy were included. Patients with acute cholecystitis, jaundice and choledocholithiasis were excluded. Only two doses of Gentamycin were used as prophylactic antibiotic for operation. Special precautions were taken for maintaining sterilization during surgery. Results: Out of 116 cases, 111 (95.7%) patients had smooth postoperative recovery and only 5 (4.3%) patients developed surgical site infection. Culture sensitivity of these 5 patients revealed E coli in 2 (40%) cases, 01 (20%) patient had Klebsiella. while 2 (40%) had mixed growth. Conclusion: Single antibiotic prophylaxis for elective cholecystectomy is recommended provided strict aseptic measures are taken during surgery along with good surgical technique.