Using Cefuroxime to Prevent Infections After Colorectal Surgery

Colo-Pro_2: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Double Blind Trial to Compare Standard Bolus Dosed Cefuroxime Prophylaxis to Bolus-continuous Infusion Dosed Cefuroxime Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Infections After Colorectal Surgery

Phase 2 Interventional University of Leeds · NCT05609240

This study tests if giving a continuous dose of cefuroxime before and during colorectal surgery can help prevent infections after the operation.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Leeds Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Birmingham, West Midlands and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05609240 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a bolus-continuous infusion of cefuroxime as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections following colorectal surgery. Patients undergoing elective colorectal procedures will receive a single dose of cefuroxime before surgery, followed by a continuous infusion throughout the operation. The aim is to maintain adequate antibiotic levels during surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative infections. The study builds on previous findings that indicated patient willingness to participate and the safety of the approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 16 years old who are scheduled for elective colorectal surgery lasting more than two hours and have adequate kidney function.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have certain allergies to antibiotics, or have a history of seizures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of infections after colorectal surgery, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using continuous antibiotic infusion during surgery, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing elective colorectal surgery (incision, excision or anastomosis of the large bowel, including anastomosis of small to large bowel)
* Age \>16.
* Expected duration of surgery \> 2hours
* Creatinine clearance \> 40 ml/min
* Cefuroxime/metronidazole are appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis regimens.
* Patient capable of giving informed consent
* Patients undergoing colorectal surgery plus additional surgery e.g. plastic surgery, urological surgery, gynaecological surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to consent
* Pregnancy
* Expected duration of surgery \<2hours
* Creatinine clearance \<40ml/min
* Individual level microbiological advice for non-cefuroxime based prophylaxis
* Cephalosporin allergy
* Penicillin allergy (hypersensitivity reaction only)
* Coumarin (warfarin and acenocoumarol) treatment
* Seizure history or epilepsy
* Concurrent use of probenecid
* Current participation in a research project aimed at reducing surgical site infections (SSIs)
* Antibiotics for treatment of a systemic Gram negative infection within 12 hours of initiation of surgery (Vancomycin, Teicoplanin, Daptomycin, Linezolid, Flucloxacillin. Nitrofurantoin and Clarithromycin would be permissible antibiotics without systemic Gram negative antibiotics).
* A current diagnosis of infection at the time of study entry.
* STARR procedures (stapled trans anal resection of the rectum)
* Weight \<30kg or \>110kg

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, West Midlands and 2 other locations

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 Antibiotic ProphylaxisColorectal SurgeryCefuroximeAntibioticColorectalProphylaxisSurgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.