The role of postoperative antibiotics in preventing surgical site infections in uncomplicated appendicitis

A best evidence topic has been constructed using a described protocol. The three-part question addressed was: In patients who underwent appendicectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis is the use of postoperative antibiotics associated with lower rates of surgical site infections? The search has been devised and 6 studies were deemed to be suitable to answer the question. The outcome assessed was the efficiency of postoperative antibiotic therapy in decreasing the rate of surgical site infections in uncomplicated appendicitis. Authors recommend against the use of postoperative antibiotics based on the supported evidence. Hence, its usage was not associated with lower rates of surgical site infections. On the contrary, it might increase the cost, postoperative morbidity and length of stay.