Surgical prophylaxis and treatment of surgical infections with quinolones.

Intraabdominal infections occur after trauma, surgical resections, or development of intrinsic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. These infections, which may be generalized or localized in intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal locations and in organs, are often difficult to diagnose and treat. The infections are usually polymicrobial and can involve both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Adequate surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy improve the clinical course and reduce the risk of septicemia and local complications. There are only a few studies published to date concerning the use of the new quinolones for surgical prophylaxis and treatment of surgical infections. On the basis of these studies, it can be concluded that surgical infections due to enterobacteria and staphylococci may be successfully treated with the new quinolones. When streptococci or anaerobic bacteria are involved, antimicrobial agents effective against these microorganisms must be added.