The choice of administering peri-operative antibiotics depends on the type of surgery, the related infectious risk, and the patient’s underlying condition. The goal of proper peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis is on the one hand to prevent morbidity and mortality related to surgical site infections (SSIs), and on the other hand to reduce misuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics so as to reduce adverse events from unnecessary drugs and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is recommended in all surgical procedures associated with a high rate of SSis (e.g., clean-contaminated or contaminated procedures) or where potential serious complications secondary to infection can be expected (e.g., in the implantation of prosthetic materials or other foreign devices). In surgeries considered clean, however, antibiotic prophylaxis does not reduce the possible occurrence of SSIs. The choice, therefore, to perform antibiotic prophylaxis and the decision of the appropriate molecule and doses must be carefully weighed in each individual case. Clinicians are advised to follow available guidelines.

Download