Antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery
Article Abstract:
Antimicrobial prophylaxis may prevent wound infection in some surgical cases. Infection prevention is especially important for implantation surgery and some procedures prone to infection. Cefazolin (Ancef) may be the most appropriate preventive drug in general, while vancomycin requires certain precautions due to the risk of drug resistance. Doses should be given before and sometimes during surgery only. Antimicrobial antibiotics are effective for preventing infection after heart surgery, joint replacement, and head and neck operations. Abdominal infective complications, such as appendicitis, often require antimicrobial therapy prior to surgery. Experts do not recommend antimicrobial agents for some dental procedures and varicose vein surgery. The role of antimicrobial therapy in neurosurgery, eye surgery, and breast surgery is unclear.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1995
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Antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery
Article Abstract:
Certain surgical patients should be given antibiotics before surgery to prevent infection. This should only be done if the surgery has a high postoperative infection rate. Implanting prostheses is one such procedure. Doctors should choose the drug that is active against the most likely microorganism that could cause infection. It is best to use the cheapest drug that will work. A single dose 30 minutes before the operation should be sufficient unless the operation is longer than four hours. A table of the best drugs to use for each operation is included.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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Antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery
Article Abstract:
This extensive article discusses prevention of infection in surgery, and goes into specific measures for various types of surgery -- cardiac, gastrointestinal, gynecological, obstetric, head and neck, neurosurgery, ophthalmic surgery, orthopedic, thoracic, urological, and various other types of procedures. In these specific passages, the type of micro-pathogens to expect and the measures to take to prevent their ability to infect are presented.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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