Improving antibiotic dosing for appendectomy

Aim 3 - Precision Coordination of Therapeutic and Prophylactic Antibiotics to Reduce Infection, Toxicity, and Emergence of Resistance Following Acute Abdominal Surgery

Phase 1 Interventional University of Michigan · NCT06860802

This test will try whether giving an extra dose of the antibiotic cefoxitin around the start of appendectomy helps adults reach higher antibiotic levels in appendix and fat and reduce surgical infections.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT06860802 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized Phase 1 trial will enroll 46 adults undergoing appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis at Michigan Medicine. Participants will be randomized to standard single-dose prophylaxis or to standard prophylaxis plus an additional cefoxitin dose given within 30 minutes of incision. Investigators will measure cefoxitin, cefuroxime, and metronidazole concentrations in plasma, subcutaneous fat, and appendix tissue and compare the probability of target attainment in each group. Population pharmacokinetic modeling will be used to determine whether the supplemental dose improves tissue exposure and could inform precision dosing strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (over 18) with uncomplicated acute appendicitis who are scheduled for appendectomy at Michigan Medicine and meet the study's inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with perforation or abscess on CT, pregnant patients, prisoners, or those not having appendectomy at the study site are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower surgical site infection rates by ensuring better antibiotic levels in appendix and surrounding fat during surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Intraoperative redosing of antibiotics has improved tissue concentrations in other surgical settings, but using a supplemental cefoxitin dose specifically for appendectomy is relatively untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of acute appendicitis and plan to undergo appendectomy at the University of Michigan

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prisoners
* Patients that are pregnant
* Patients with perforation or abscess on CT Scan

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

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 AppendicitisCefoxitinAppendectomySurgical Site Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.