The influence of metronidazole prophylaxis and the method of closure on wound infection in non-perforating appendicitis in childhood.

Prospective investigation of consecutive children suffering from non-perforating appendicitis indicated that metronidazole prophylaxis significantly reduces the risk of postoperative wound sepsis regardless of the method of closure. However, in view of the advantages of subcuticular polyglycolic acid this must be regarded as the method of closure of choice in non-perforating appendicitis in children.