Single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for biliary surgery. Cefazolin vs moxalactam.

Cefazolin was compared with moxalactam for single-dose prophylaxis against infection in a double-blind, prospective, randomized trial of 90 patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Risk factors for infection were present in 65 (72%) of the 90 patients and were evenly distributed. Antibiotic levels in plasma, bile, and tissue measured when the cystic duct was divided were similar for both drugs. Age greater than 65 years but not recent cholecystitis or type of antibiotic was predictive of recovery of bacteria from bile cultures. Wound infections occurred in two patients receiving cefazolin and one patient receiving moxalactam for an overall infection rate of 3%. No toxic reactions to antibiotics, including bleeding disorders, were observed. In conclusion, no significant difference in prophylactic efficacy was detected in this comparison of a first-generation with a third-generation cephalosporin. Because of its lower cost and narrower antimicrobial spectrum, however, cefazolin should remain the agent of choice.