Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Background: prophylactic antibiotics are effective in preventing surgical-wound infections. However, the clarity about the compelling need for antibiotic administration and the risk associated with their use is missing. The use of antimicrobial prophylaxis against surgical site infection (SSI) is common in plastic surgery, while results from prospective randomized controlled trials are scarce. Aim of the Study: was to evaluate the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in the field of plastic surgery. Methods: Electronic search of available Literatures in the scientific database of recent randomized controlled trials evaluating the indications for and use of antibiotics to reduce and treat SSIs for patients undergoing plastic surgery from 1960 to 2017– (Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library as well as NHS centre websites were searched for English Publications from both reprint requests and by searching the database. Data extracted included antibiotic dosage, duration and incidence of surgical site infection. Conclusion: surgical procedures must be distinguished based on the risk of infection and the need for antibiotic prophylaxis should be determined accordingly, i.e. on a case by case basis.No prophylaxis is required for superficial skin’s and clean surgeries such as mucosal excisions, nevertheless, Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended microsurgical operations, prosthetic surgery, incisional hernias, clean non-prosthetic osteoarticular surgery, oral cavity and genitourinary system procedures. Still, antibiotic use should be prescribed with caution to avoid profound side effects such as developing resistant bacterial strains, severe allergies and other accompanied comorbidities.