Current guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis of surgical wounds. Am Fam Physician 1998 Jun;57(11):2731-40
Date
06/24/1998Pubmed ID
9636336Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0032104211 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 107 CitationsAbstract
Appropriately administered antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the incidence of surgical wound infection. Prophylaxis is uniformly recommended for all clean-contaminated, contaminated and dirty procedures. It is considered optional for most clean procedures, although it may be indicated for certain patients and clean procedures that fulfill specific risk criteria. Timing of antibiotic administration is critical to efficacy. The first dose should always be given before the procedure, preferably within 30 minutes before incision. Readministration at one to two half-lives of the antibiotic is recommended for the duration of the procedure. In general, postoperative administration is not recommended. Antibiotic selection is influenced by the organism most commonly causing wound infection in the specific procedure and by the relative costs of available agents. In certain gastrointestinal procedures, oral and intravenous administration of agents with activity against gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria is warranted, as well as mechanical preparation of the bowel. Cefazolin provides adequate coverage for most other types of procedures.
Author List
Woods RK, Dellinger EPMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Anti-Bacterial AgentsAntibiotic Prophylaxis
Half-Life
History, 17th Century
History, 19th Century
History, 20th Century
Humans
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Risk
Risk Factors
Surgical Wound Infection
