Abstract

Background and aims. This pilot study examines whether single-dose intravenous metronidazole preoperatively is at least as effective as a broad-spectrum multi-drug regimen in preventing infection-related wound complications following excision of pilonidal sinuses with primary closure.

Patients and methods. A double-blinded study with 50 patients randomised to receiving either a single drug (intravenous metronidazole 500 mg) prophylaxis preoperatively or multi-drug cover (intravenous cefuroxime 1.5 g and metronidazole 0.5 g preoperatively, and oral co-amoxiclav 375 mg 8-hourly postoperatively). They will be reviewed 1, 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. The wound will be graded as: I, healthy; II, redness and swelling of edges; III, abscess related to a suture; IV, spreading wound infection; V, wound breakdown. Other factors considered are the distance from the lowest wound margin to the anal verge, and previous pilonidal sinus surgery.

Results. Results awaited.

Conclusion. Single-dose metronidazole seems an appropriate and low-cost antibiotic to consider for prophylaxis in pilonidal sinus surgery. This study will form the base for a trial to be conducted in larger numbers as a randomised controlled trial in order to have statistical power.