Ertapenem versus Cefotetan Prophylaxis in Elective Colorectal Surgery

With the availability of cefotetan and cefoxitin possibly ending, effective agents for wound prophylaxis during elective colorectal surgery are needed. In this large randomized, multicenter, double-blind study, ertapenem was found to be superior to cefotetan in the prevention of surgical-site infection but was associated with an increase in Clostridium difficile infection. Ertapenem was found to be superior to cefotetan in the prevention of surgical-site infection but was associated with an increase in Clostridium difficile infection. Ertapenem is a once-daily parenteral group 1 carbapenem antibiotic used in the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infection. 1 – 3 Several characteristics of ertapenem make its use attractive as a potential preoperative antimicrobial agent in elective colorectal surgery, since it is characterized by rapid intravenous administration, appropriate coverage against potential pathogens, a long half-life (so it does not require a second administration during most surgeries), and a safety profile similar to that of other commonly used antibiotics. 4 – 7 To assess the efficacy and safety of ertapenem in the prevention of surgical-site infection among patients undergoing colorectal surgery, we compared it with cefotetan, . . .