ro13-9904 and Esophageal-Neoplasms

An open prospective study was carried out in 82 consecutive patients undergoing resective surgery for esophageal cancer from January 1995 to July 1996. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was done using a single dose of ceftriaxone (2 g i.v.) given at the induction of anesthesia in combination with metronidazole (0.5 g i.v.). Two further doses of metronidazole were administered 8 and 16 hours postoperatively. Fourteen patients (17%) experienced postoperative infections. This study, even though open and non-comparative, confirms that ceftriaxone given as a single-dose plus metronidazole provides adequate prophylaxis and significant cost-savings in comparison with multiple-dose prophylactic regimens in patients undergoing major surgery for esophageal cancer. Furthermore, the single-dose regimen reduces the workload for the nursing staff, the risk of side effects, and the possibility of selecting resistant strains.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Bacteriuria; Ceftriaxone; Drug Administration Schedule; Esophageal Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Italy; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Tract Infections; Surgical Wound Infection; Treatment Outcome