Prophylactic antibiotics in surgery

Abstract

Prospective double blind studies have demonstrated that brief courses of antibiotics active against major contaminating bacterial pathogens are effective in certain surgical interventions if these agents are given prior to surgery. Administration of antibiotics for long periods after surgery has no beneficial effect on the postoperative infection rate. In addition it may increase the risk of adverse effects and results in widespread emergence of resistant organisms. Until now brief courses of antimicrobial agents have not resulted in an increasing number of resistant bacteria, however surveillance must be continued (Acta anaesth. belg., 1983, 34, 163-171).