Antibiotics in the treatment of biliary infection

Abstract

Despite knowledge of the pattern of infection in biliary disease, the microorganisms involved, and the spectrum and pharmacokinetics of potentially effective antibiotics, bacteria are often difficult to eradicate from the bile and biliary surgery has a high incidence of septic complications. There have been few reviews of this subject, particularly incorporating recent data, and a reassessment is necessary. This paper describes the clinical and bacteriological aspects of biliary infection, and the excretion and efficacy of specific antibiotics in bile. Based on the information available a therapeutic strategy is proposed.