Comparing antibiotic use after appendectomy

Complex And Simple Appendicitis: REstrictive or Liberal Post-operative Antibiotic eXposure (CASA RELAX) Using Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR) and Response Adjusted for Duration of Antibiotic Risk (RADAR): A Randomized Controlled Trial at Denver Health

Not applicable Interventional Denver Health and Hospital Authority · NCT05002829

This study tests if using antibiotics for a shorter time after appendix surgery can lower side effects while keeping patients safe.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2275 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDenver Health and Hospital Authority Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Denver, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05002829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate whether a restricted duration of antibiotic use after appendectomy can reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with antibiotics while maintaining patient safety. Participants will be assigned to either a restricted or liberal antibiotic regimen following their surgery for appendicitis. The study will monitor outcomes related to safety and effectiveness of the different antibiotic durations. By analyzing the results, researchers hope to determine the optimal approach to antibiotic use in post-operative care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for an appendectomy due to simple or complicated appendicitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer post-operative care with fewer antibiotic-related complications for patients undergoing appendectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in reducing antibiotic use in surgical settings, suggesting that this approach may be viable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Planned appendectomy (laparoscopic or open) for simple or complicated (perforated or gangrenous) appendicitis
* Working telephone number or reliable method to contact patient after hospital discharge

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to consent
* Pregnant Women
* Prisoners
* Immunocompromised as determined by clinical team, or patients actively receiving steroids, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressing medications (for example tacrolimus), or patients with active hematologic malignancy affecting the immune system, leukopenia, or end-stage AIDS
* Heart failure
* Allergy to bupivacaine
* Unlikely to comply with treatment or follow-up
* Inpatient consultation for appendicitis
* Clinically suspected of sepsis based on Sepsis-3 definition
* Current use of antibiotics for other indications
* Uncontrolled hyperglycemia or Type 1 Diabetes
* Surgeon preference
* Patient preference
* Research team unavailable

Where this trial is running

Denver, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Appendicitispost-operativeantibiotics
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.