The reduction of postoperative chest infection by prophylactic co-trimoxazole

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Abstract
Summary: A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a single prophylactic dose of co-trimoxazole on the incidence of pulmonary complications following upper abdominal surgery. Of 68 patients studied, 36 were judged clinically to have no postoperative pulmonary complications, 18 to have pulmonary atelectasis and 14 to have chest infection. Serial analysis of arterial oxygen tensions supported the clinical assessment. Of 34 controls, 6 developed pulmonary atelectasis and 11 (32 per cent) chest infection. Of the 34 treated patients, 12 developed atelectasis and 3 (9 per cent) chest infection. The reduction in chest infection was significant (P < 0·05). These results support the use of prophylactic cotrimoxazole to prevent chest infection following abdominal surgery.