Duration of antibiotic treatment in surgical infections of the abdomen. Blunt abdominal trauma.

Abstract

Blunt abdominal trauma is associated with a low risk of injury to the microorganism-containing hollow viscera. Therefore, routine pre-operative administration of antibiotics is not necessary. Antibiotics are given intraoperatively, if laparotomy discloses transmural injury of a hollow organ and peritoneal contamination. If intervention is early (< 12 hours) and there is no evidence of purulent exudate in the abdominal cavity, the antibiotic should be considered prophylactic and not exceed one dose. Neglected injuries should be treated with antibiotics for a maximum of 5 days.