COMPARISON BETWEEN TOPICAL BACITRACIN AND NEOMYCIN WITH PYODINE FOR PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST WOUND INFECTION IN APPENDICECTOMY

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of prophylactic use of topical Bacitracin-Neomycin (Bivalek spray) with pyodine (solution) against wound infection in appendicectomy.
Study Design: Random control trial
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan. One year from 15 Jan, 2007 to 14 Jan 2008.
Subjects: A total of 100 patients of acute appendicitis who underwent appendicectomy.
Method: Patients were randomly allotted to either group A in which the post appendicectomy wound sepsis was managed by using Bacitracin-Neomycin (n = 50) or to group B, in which wound was managed by using pyodine (n=50). Outcomes were measured by absence or presence of oedema, discharge from the wound and erythema at wound site, wound dehiscence or fistula formation.
Results: Comparison between two groups revealed infection rate of 14 % in group A and 8% in group B with no significant difference in wound infection (p value =0.388).
Conclusion: Topical Bacitracin-Neomycin (Bivalek Spray) is equally effective as pyodine for prophylaxis against wound infection after appendicectomy.