Evaluation of carbenicillin and a comparison of clindamycin and gentamicin combined therapy in penetrating abdominal trauma.

Results of this study suggest that an antibiotic or antibiotics to be effective in abdominal trauma must cover both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. A single drug, such as carbenicillin, appears to serve this purpose. If one is allergic to penicillin, then clindamycin along with gentamicin can be used. The routine use of an aminoglycoside in abdominal trauma is unnecessary. Aminoglycoside should be added to carbenicillin therapy only in patients with Klebsiella infections. Furthermore, we also support the recommendation made by others that antimicrobial therapy of abdominal trauma should begin preoperatively.