Single-dose piperacillin versus cefoxitin combined with 10 percent mannitol bowel preparation as prophylaxis in elective colorectal operations.

ABSTRACT

A prospective, randomized study was utilized to compare the effectiveness of a single dose of preoperative piperacillin versus triple-dose cefoxitin in prophylaxis for elective colorectal operations. All patients received a simple 1 day mechanical bowel preparation using 10 percent mannitol preparation administered orally. Ninety-four patients were entered into the study. Septic complications occurred in 9 percent of the piperacillin patients and in 12 percent of the cefoxitin patients.