[Inappropriate use of antibiotics in acute appendicitis. A survey of Mexican surgeons].

Background: Appendectomy is the most common non-elective surgery. The postoperative use of antibiotics depends on the stage of the appendix at the time of surgery. Several classifications establish that state. We determine if these classifications are known and used by Mexican surgeons.

Methods: A descriptive and observational study was performed. A questionnaire was completed by surgeons asking the following questions: Do you use a classification for acute appendicitis? 2) Which classification do you prefer? 3) Do you use antibiotics postoperatively? 4) For what period of time do you administer antibiotics postoperatively? We evaluated if the postoperative treatment is influenced by the use of a classification, using the chi(2) test.

Results: One hundred and forty two surgeons were interviewed, 99% used a classification, and 48% indicated postoperative antibiotics, despite the stage of the disease, monotherapy (69%), and for three doses (60%). Fifty two percent used antibiotic only in advanced stages, with two different types (61%), and from 7 to 10 days (66%). We did not find any statistical difference in management, regardless of whether or not an appendicitis classification was used.

Conclusions: Although most surgeons use one classification for acute appendicitis, this does not influence postoperative treatment. This incongruity results in the unjustified use of antibiotics.