Multicentre Study of ‘Flagyl’ Suppositories in the Prevention of Post-Operative Anaerobic Infection

Abstract

A trial was carried out at seven centres using metronidazole suppositories prophylactically in the prevention of post-operative anaerobic infections. One hundred and ninety-seven patients were included of whom only two developed an anaerobic infection at the site of operation. Although the trial was open in design, it is considered that the low incidence of post-operative sepsis and morbidity indicates the effectiveness of metronidazole in providing cover against anaerobic infection during gastro-intestinal and gynaecological surgery.