Cholecystectomy or gallbladder in situ after endoscopic sphincterotomy and bile duct stone removal in Chinese patients.

Background & Aims: In patients with stones in their bile ducts and gallbladders, cholecystectomy is generally recommended after endoscopic sphincterotomy and clearance of bile duct stones. However, only approximately 10% of patients with gallbladders left in situ will return with further biliary complications. Expectant management is alternately advocated.

Optimum duration of prophylactic antibiotics in acute non-perforated appendicitis.

Background: The effect of extended prophylactic antibiotic therapy on postoperative infective complications such as wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess for non-perforated appendicitis is poorly defined.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial of 269 patients aged 15-70 years with non-perforated appendicitis undergoing open appendicectomy; 92 received single dose preoperative (group A), 94 received three-dose (group B) and 83 received 5-day perioperative (group C) regimens of cefuroxime and metronidazole. Postoperative infective complication was the primary endpoint.