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. 2014 Jul;96(5):377-80.
doi: 10.1308/003588414X13946184900688.

A national audit of antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

H E Graham  1 , A Vasireddy, D Nehra
Affiliations

A national audit of antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

H E Graham et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland were surveyed to assess their use of antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This followed a Cochrane review that found no evidence to support the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in routine cases.

Methods: Data were collected on routine use of antibiotics in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and how that was influenced by factors such as bile spillage, patient co-morbidities and surgeons' experience. An online questionnaire was sent to 450 laparoscopic surgeons in December 2011.

Results: Data were received from 111 surgeons (87 consultants) representing over 7,000 cases per year. In routine cases without bile spillage, 64% of respondents gave no antibiotics and 36% gave a single dose. In cases with bile spillage, 11% gave no antibiotics. However, 80% gave one dose and 7% gave three doses. Co-amoxiclav was used by 75% of surgeons. Surgeons are more likely to give antibiotics when patients have risk factors for infective endocarditis.

Conclusions: This study suggests over 20,000 doses of antibiotics and over £100,000 could be saved annually if surgeons modified their practice to follow current guidelines.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Survey questions
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of responses to survey
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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