Antibiotic prophylaxis in gynecological surgery. A literature review

Abstract

Gynecological surgical procedures are associated with significant morbidity, and a major impact on the quality of life. The antibiotic prophylaxis should minimize the risk of postoperative infections complications, preventing in the same time the adverse effects of long-term antibiotic usage. The aim of this paper is to detail the current recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis in gynecological surgical procedures performed by open abdominal or laparoscopic approach. We have performed a review of the English language literature from the PubMed/Medline database using the following search details: (“Antibiotic Prophylaxis”[Mesh]) AND “Gynecologic Surgical Procedures”[Mesh]. We used the similar articles function to find additional secondary resources. Antibiotic prophylaxis should not be performed in elective laparoscopic gynecological procedures without the opening of the uterus or vagina. During hysterectomy for benign or malignant disease, the first dose of antibiotic prophylaxis should be infused one hour prior to skin incision, excepting Vancomycin and Fluoroquinolone that should be started two hours before. The antibiotic should be repeated if the duration of the surgery lasts more than two half-lives of the drug or the intraoperative bleeding is greater than 1500 mL. The antibiotic prophylaxis should be discontinued within the first 24 hours after surgery. Timely administration of adequate antibiotics and a meticulous surgical technique are mandatory for effectively decreasing the risk of postoperative infectious complications. Thorough adherence to international recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis discontinuation within 24 hours should minimize the adverse events of antibiotic usage.