The American surgeon
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The effectiveness of antibiotics in the management of penetrating abdominal injuries was studied retrospectively in two non-controlled, non-randomized groups of patients. The uncontrolled group (107 patients) received a variety of antibiotic(s) mainly intra- and postoperatively. ⋯ Although the improved results cannot be attributed solely to the antibiotic regimen, the trend seems apparent. Therefore, to minimize septic complications in penetrating abdominal injuries, we advocate: 1. prompt resuscitation, 2. early and appropriate surgical intervention and 3. preoperative antibiotics that are effective against both the aerobic and anerobic resident flora of the gastrointestinal tract.