Comparative study of the effects of ceftazidime compared with tobramycin plus cefamandole in the treatment of gall bladder empyema.

Fifty patients with empyema of the gall bladder took part in a prospective comparative study. One treatment group received ceftazidime 2 g bd, while the other received combined therapy with cefamandole 2 g tds and tobramycin 80 mg bd. The intraoperative administration of the antibiotic was started immediately after a sample had been obtained for culture, by puncture of the gall bladder. Results with ceftazidime monotherapy in severe infections were superior to the combined therapy. No septic complications of wound healing were observed.