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Objective: To analyse the influence of ceftriaxone on bacterial translocation and survival after small bowel transplantation in an experimental model with large animals., Design: We performed 21 small bowel transplantation in pigs. Group 1 (n = 5): small bowel transplantation (SBT). Group 2 (n = 5): SBT and immunosuppression with cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisolone. Group 3 (n = 5): SBT and ceftriaxone. Group 4 (n = 6): SBT, ceftriaxone and immunosuppression., Subjects: Minipig of 25-45 Kg body weight., Measures: Blood, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes for bacterial culture and biopsy of ileum on postoperative days POD 0.3 and 7., Results: Cultures were positive for bacteria in 22% (10/41) before perfusion, and 43% (28/67) post-reperfusion. Groups 1 and 2: cultures were positive for bacteria in 93% (28/30) on POD 3 degrees, and in 100% (30/30) on POD 7 degrees. Cultures were positive for enterobacteria in 80% (24/30) on POD 3 degrees. Groups 3 and 4: cultures were positive for bacteria in 79.5% (33/41) on POD 3 degrees and in 100% (31/31) on POD 7 degrees. Cultures were positive for enterobacteria in 36.5% (15/41) on POD 3 degrees. Early mortality (before POD 7 degrees), not related with technical complications was 50% (5/10) in groups 1 and 2 and 0% (0/11) in groups 3 and 4. There were no differences with the use of immunosuppression., Conclusions: Ceftriaxone could decrease bacterial translocation (especially enterobacteria), and early mortality post-small bowel transplantation in pigs.