Systemic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery a comparison between tinidazole and doxycycline.

43 patients were the subject of a comparative trial of the use of tinidazole (n = 22) and doxycycline (n = 21) in the prevention of surgical sepsis in elective colorectal surgery. The trial was open, prospective and randomized with prophylactic treatment instituted parenterally immediately before the operation. Topical ampicillin was supplemented in eight cases with fecal spillage. All patients underwent a standard preoperative mechanical preparation of the bowel. At the end of the trial period, there was one superficial aerobic abdominal wound infection and one deep anaerobic infection in the tinidazole group. Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in one patient treated with doxycycline. There were no significant differences in the results obtained with the two drugs and both regimens appear to be highly effective in the prevention of deep anaerobic postoperative sepsis in elective colorectal surgery.