Effect of Antibiotics on Obstructive Appendicitis in Rabbits. ∗

Abstract

Summary

The high mortality from perforation and peritonitis which uniformly followed untreated obstruction of the rabbit's appendix was definitely reduced by the parenteral or local administration of penicillin or streptomycin. However, appendical perforation was not prevented nor was there a consistent decrease in the secretion of that organ. Therefore the beneficial results of these antibiotics must have been due to other mechanisms, in all likelihood the result of their antibacterial activity. Although the mortality was effectively reduced, some animals died while receiving therapy, an indication that antibiotics are no panacea in the treatment of appendicitis and its complications. The importance of secretory pressure as the principal factor in perforation of the obstructed appendix is emphasized by the fact that such perforation was prevented by allowing the pressure to be dissipated into the reservoir of a distensible balloon.