Patient Case: Cholecystitis Length of Therapy

KASIC Patient Case: Cholecystitis Length of Therapy

A 39 year old is hospitalized with acute cholecystitis and treated with ceftriaxone. It’s POD1 laparoscopic cholecystectomy (no perforations). Her WBC is 15 and vitals are WNL. How long should she be treated with antibiotics?

A) Stop now
B) POD4
C) POD7
D) Until WBC is normal

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Best Answer

Stop now.

Explanation: The 2017 Surgical Infection Society Guidelines on Management of IAI recommend stopping antibiotics within 24 hours postoperatively in patients without perforated cholecystitis or appendicitis. Leukocytosis is nonspecific in the post-op setting is nonspecific and not always indicative of ongoing infection.

Using recommended post-op courses is a great example of antimicrobial stewardship! 💊🦠

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