ANTIMICROBIAL PROPHYLAXIS IN APPENDECTOMY - OFTEN NEGLECTED - BUT INDISPENSABLE

For several decades it has been proven that adequate antimicrobial pro phylaxis is effective in reducing postoperative septic complications a lso in appendectomy. The rational for this approach - including laparo scopic procedures - is discussed and national and international recomm endations for antibiotic prophylaxis in appendectomy are cited. Unfort unately, in spite of all the evidence, less than 50 % of all appendect omies in 1996 in Germany had been carried out under antibiotic cover - with serious consequences for many patients and increased costs for p rolonged hospital stay and treatment due to the higher incidence of in fectious postoperative complications. Surgeons are encouraged not to n eglect facts and benefits concerning the use of appropriate prophylact ic antimicrobials in all appendectomies.