Surgeon practice patterns for antibiotic prophylaxis in gynecologic surgery

Abstract

Objective: To assess surgeon practice patterns for antibiotic prophylaxis in gynecologic surgery.

Methods: A survey was distributed at the 2011 annual scientific meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons regarding antibiotic prophylaxis practices.

Results: The response rate was 51%. Most surgeons did not use antibiotic prophylaxis for dilation and curettage without products of conception, hysteroscopy, and loop electrocautery excision procedure/cone biopsy. For laparoscopy without graft placement, 45.9% did not use prophylaxis. Prophylaxis was common for hysterectomy. For midurethral slings, 8.2% did not use prophylaxis. When graft material was used in prolapse surgery, at least 93% of surgeons administered some form of antibiotic prophylaxis. Only 70% of respondents prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis for hysterectomy consistent with recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, whereas 78% are consistent with specifications from the Joint Commission.

Conclusions: Wide variability exists in antibiotic prophylaxis in gynecologic surgery. Surgeon preference or local hospital policies affect choice of prophylaxis less than 14.9% of the time.