Prophylactic antibiotics and prevention of surgical site infections

Peter A Najjar; Douglas S Smink

doi:10.1016/j.suc.2014.11.006

Prophylactic antibiotics and prevention of surgical site infections

Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Apr;95(2):269-83. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.11.006. Epub 2015 Jan 10.

Authors

Peter A Najjar¹, Douglas S Smink²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
² Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address: dsmink@partners.org.

PMID: 25814106
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.11.006

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections present a significant source of preventable morbidity and mortality. More than 30% of all healthcare-associated infections are represented by surgical site infections, making them the most common subtype. Studies suggest that 40% to 60% of these infections are preventable, yet many hospitals have yet to implement evidence-based best practices. This article reviews the impact of surgical site infections, describes their measurement and reporting, and most importantly provides perioperative strategies for their prevention with a focus on the appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Keywords: Perioperative infection control; Prophylactic antibiotics; Surgical site infection.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
Antibiotic Prophylaxis*
Humans
Perioperative Care*
Surgical Wound Infection / economics
Surgical Wound Infection / epidemiology
Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control*

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents