Routine Antibiotic Prophylaxis Research Articles

Long-term impact of oral surgery with or without amoxicillin on the oral microbiome-A prospective cohort study

Routine postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for third molar extractions. However, amoxicillin still continues to be used customarily in several clinical practices worldwide to prevent infections. A prospective cohort study was conducted in cohorts who underwent third molar extractions with (group EA, n = 20) or without (group E, n = 20) amoxicillin (250 mg three times daily for 5 days). Further, a control group without amoxicillin and extractions (group C, n = 17) was included. Salivary samples were collected at baseline, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-weeks and 3 months to assess the bacterial shift and antibiotic resistance gene changes employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina-Miseq) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A further 6-month follow-up was performed for groups E and EA. Seven operational taxonomic units reported a significant change from baseline to 3 months for group EA (adjusted p < 0.05). No significant change in relative abundance of bacteria and β-lactamase resistance genes (TEM-1) was observed over 6 months for any group (adjusted p > 0.05). In conclusion, the salivary microbiome is resilient to an antibiotic challenge by a low-dose regimen of amoxicillin. Further studies evaluating the effect of routinely used higher dose regimens of amoxicillin on gram-negative bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes are warranted.

Is group B streptococcus colonization associated with chorioamnionitis in an era of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis?

To assess whether colonization with group B streptococcus (GBS) is associated with chorioamnionitis in an era of routine intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.

Prophylaxis of Wound Infections-antibiotics in Renal Donation (POWAR): A UK Multicentre Double Blind Placebo Controlled Randomised Trial.

Postoperative infection after hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) confers significant morbidity to a healthy patient group. Current UK guidelines cite a lack of evidence for routine antibiotic prophylaxis. This trial assessed if a single preoperative antibiotic dose could reduce post HALDN infections. Eligible donors were randomly and blindly allocated to preoperative single-dose intravenous co-amoxiclav or saline. The primary composite endpoint was clinical evidence of any postoperative infection at 30 days, including surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). In all, 293 participants underwent HALDN (148 antibiotic arm and 145 placebo arm). Among them, 99% (291/293) completed follow-up. The total infection rate was 40.7% (59/145) in the placebo group and 23% (34 of 148) in the antibiotic group (P = 0.001). Superficial SSIs were 20.7% (30/145 patients) in the placebo group versus 10.1% (15/148 patients) in the antibiotic group (P = 0.012). LRTIs were 9% (13/145) in the placebo group and 3.4% (5/148) in the antibiotic group (P = 0.046). UTIs were 4.1% (6/145) in the placebo group and 3.4% (5/148) in the antibiotic group (P = 0.72).Antibiotic prophylaxis conferred a 17.7% (95% confidence interval 7.2%-28.1%), absolute risk reduction in developing postoperative infection, with 6 donors requiring treatment to prevent 1 infection. Single-dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis dramatically reduces post-HALDN infection rates, mainly impacting SSIs and LRTIs.

Can routine antibiotic prophylaxis after normal vaginal birth reduce maternal infectious morbidity?

Can routine antibiotic prophylaxis after normal vaginal birth reduce maternal infectious morbidity?

What is the Short-Term Effect of a Dose of Antibiotics on Gut Microbiota in Thyroid Cancer Patients After Surgery? An Observational Clinical Study

International guidelines do not recommend routine systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in thyroidectomy patients as post-operative wound infections are rare, though many surgeons prefer to give preoperative antibiotics. However, the molecular-based short-term consequences of one dose of antibiotics on the human intestinal microbiota are rarely explored.

Paper #36 - Vancomycin has comparable efficacy in eliminating propionibacterium acnes biofilm as doxycycline and penicillin in an in vitro model

Introduction: Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes) is a common pathogen identified in periprosthetic shoulder infections and can be routinely cultured in primary shoulder arthroplasty. Biofilm production by P. acnes is thought to be a contributing factor to both its ability to resist eradication by routine antibiotic prophylaxis and its persistence on implanted materials, despite attempts at removal. Given its propensity to form biofilm, there has been significant interest in determining the appropriate type and dose of antibiotic to both treat and prevent P. acnes periprosthetic infections in shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of our study was to determine if routinely used antibiotics would be effective against mature P. acnes biofilm in an in vitro model.

Antibiotic therapy and infection complications in paediatric burn injuries

Background: Each year, nearly 1% of population suffers from burn injuries. The main cause of complications and death after thermal injury is infections. Excessive use of antibiotics affects however the children treated for burns and can have negative effects. Therefore, specifying the recommendations for antibiotic therapy in patients after thermal injury seems to be of importance. Materials and methods: An evaluation of 310 paediatric patients hospitalised for burn injuries was performed. In the first part of evaluation, a retrospective analysis of treatment with particular focus on infection complications and administered antibiotics was performed. This was followed by a prospective evaluation of effectiveness of the principles of antibiotic therapy specified at the earlier stage. Results: In 2010-2016, an antibiotic was systemically administered to 53.4% of children treated for thermal injury, provided that in 87.1% of cases it was introduced as a prophylactic measure. Infection of a burn wound was recorded in 4.7% of cases. The most frequently isolated bacterium (57.1%) was Staphylococcus aureus MSSA. Supply of antibiotics failed to reduce the number of infection complications or burn wound infections. The studies formed the basis for specification of the internal antibiotic therapy criteria, effectiveness of which was then evaluated. In 2017, an antibiotic was administered to 37.1% of patients. Reducing antibiotic therapy did not increase the risk of infection complications or frequency of wound infections. Conclusion: Routine antibiotic prophylaxis in burn injuries has no effect on the risk of infection complications and does not reduce the treatment time. It should be limited to perioperative prophylaxis in the case of skin grafts and to the patients with progressing symptoms of burn disease or with concomitant infections.

Prophylactic antibiotics in the prevention of infection after operative vaginal delivery (ANODE): a multicentre randomised controlled trial

SummaryBackgroundRisk factors for maternal infection are clearly recognised, including caesarean section and operative vaginal birth. Antibiotic prophylaxis at caesarean section is widely recommended because there is clear systematic review evidence that it reduces incidence of maternal infection. Current WHO guidelines do not recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for women undergoing operative vaginal birth because of insufficient evidence of effectiveness. We aimed to investigate whether antibiotic prophylaxis prevented maternal infection after operative vaginal birth.MethodsIn a blinded, randomised controlled trial done at 27 UK obstetric units, women (aged ≥16 years) were allocated to receive a single dose of intravenous amoxicillin and clavulanic acid or placebo (saline) following operative vaginal birth at 36 weeks gestation or later. The primary outcome was confirmed or suspected maternal infection within 6 weeks of delivery defined by a new prescription of antibiotics for specific indications, confirmed systemic infection on culture, or endometritis. We did an intention-to-treat analysis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, number 11166984, and is closed to accrual.FindingsBetween March 13, 2016, and June 13, 2018, 3427 women were randomly assigned to treatment: 1719 to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, and 1708 to placebo. Seven women withdrew, leaving 1715 in the amoxicillin and clavulanic acid group and 1705 in the placebo groups. Primary outcome data were missing for 195 (6%) women. Significantly fewer women allocated to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid had a confirmed or suspected infection (180 [11%] of 1619) than women allocated to placebo (306 [19%] of 1606; risk ratio 0·58, 95% CI 0·49–0·69; p<0·0001). One woman in the placebo group reported a skin rash and two women in the amoxicillin and clavulanic acid reported other allergic reactions, one of which was reported as a serious adverse event. Two other serious adverse events were reported, neither was considered causally related to the treatment.InterpretationThis trial shows benefit of a single dose of prophylactic antibiotic after operative vaginal birth and guidance from WHO and other national organisations should be changed to reflect this.FundingNIHR Health Technology Assessment programme.

Cutibacterium Acnes (Formerly Propionibacterium Acnes) Contamination of the Surgical Field During Shoulder Arthroscopy

To evaluate the prevalence of Cutibacterium acnes in the shoulder region and to analyze changes in C acnes contamination during shoulder arthroscopy, as well as to investigate the influence of sex and type of arthroscopic surgery on those parameters. Forty-eight consecutive patients undergoing reconstructive or non-reconstructive shoulder arthroscopy, after hair removal with a medical clipper, routine antibiotic prophylaxis, and skin preparation with an alcohol-based skin disinfectant, were prospectively enrolled in this study. The shoulder was divided into 4 regions of interest (anterior, medial, posterior, and axilla). Skin swabs were taken from each region at 3 time points (preoperatively before and after skin preparation, and at the conclusion of surgery), cultured for 21days, and analyzed for the prevalence of C acnes. The rate of C acnes-positive skin cultures was significantly increased at the end of surgery compared with preoperatively before (44.3% vs 27.6%, P < .001) and after (44.3% vs 31.3%, P= .001) skin preparation. No reduction in C acnes was observed with preoperative skin preparation (27.6% vs 31.3%, P= .401). At the end of shoulder arthroscopy, 64.6% of patients showed at least 1 culture positive for C acnes. The C acnes prevalence was significantly higher in male patients (48.3%) than female patients (20.1%, P < .001), at all time points (P < .016), and in all regions of interest (P < .001) except the axilla. No differences in the prevalence of C acnes were found between non-reconstructive and reconstructive procedures. Skin contamination with C acnes around the shoulder increased significantly from before and after skin preparation to the conclusion of surgery in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy despite perioperative preventive measures. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Biliary Atresia-associated Cholangitis: The Central Role and Effective Management of Bile Lakes.

Cholangitis and bile lakes are incompletely understood complications after portoenterostomy (PE). We investigated relationships between recurrent cholangitis, bile lakes, and clinical outcomes as well as surgical management of bile lakes. In this retrospective observational single institution study medical records and imaging studies of all patients who had undergone PE for biliary atresia during 1987 to 2016 (N = 61) were reviewed. We related occurrence of cholangitis episodes with the presence of intrahepatic bile lakes, patient characteristics, and PE outcomes. Risk factors for recurrent cholangitis and bile lakes, and management of bile lakes were analyzed. Despite routine antibiotic prophylaxis median of 3.0 cholangitis episodes (0.75 episodes/year) occurred in 48 (79%) patients. Intrahepatic bile lakes were discovered in 8 (13%) patients by 16 months after PE. Overall, 54% had survived with their native liver at median age of 7.3 years and 28 (46%) patients had ≥1 cholangitis episodes/year. Number and frequency of cholangitis episodes were >5 times higher among patients with bile lakes (P < 0.001). Six patients underwent Roux-en-Y bile lake-jejunostomy, resulting in regression/disappearance of bile lakes and normalization of serum bilirubin in 5 with reduction of median yearly cholangitis rate from 8.8 to 1.1 (P = 0.028) and native liver survival of 6.3 (range, 1.3-17) years after the operation. Bile lakes are a significant risk factor for recurrent cholangitis after PE and efficiently treated by operative intestinal drainage providing prolonged jaundice-free native liver survival. Bile lakes should be actively screened among patients presenting with recurrent cholangitis after PE.

Prophylaxis of Wound Infections- Antibiotics in Renal Donation (POWAR): A Multicentre UK Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Randomised Trial

Background: Postoperative infection following hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) confers significant morbidity to a healthy patient group. Current UK guidelines cite a lack of evidence for routine antibiotic prophylaxis. This trial assessed if a single preoperative antibiotic dose could reduce post HALDN infections. Methods: Eligible donors were randomly and blindly allocated to preoperative single dose intravenous co-amoxiclav or saline. The primary composite endpoint was clinical evidence of any postoperative infection at 30 days including surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The study aimed to detect a 10% or greater reduction in the primary endpoint with 90% power (α 0·05). All analyses were by intention to treat (ITT). Findings: 293 participants underwent HALDN (148 antibiotic arm and 145 placebo arm). 99% (291 of 293) completed follow up. The total infection rate was 40.7% (59 of 145) in the placebo group and 23% (34 of 148) in the antibiotic group (p=0·001). Superficial SSIs were 20·7% (30 of 145 patients) in the placebo group vs 10.1% (15 of 148 patients) in the antibiotic group (p=0·012). LRTIs were 9% (13 of 145) in the placebo group and 3.4% (5 of 148) in the antibiotic group (p=0.046). UTIs were 4.1% (6 of 145) in the placebo group and 3.4% (5 of 148) in the antibiotic group (p=0.72). Reportable adverse events occurred in 22 patients per group (14·7% (antibiotic) vs 15·2% (placebo), p=0·54). Antibiotic prophylaxis conferred a 17.7% (95% CI 7.2–28.1%), absolute risk reduction (ARR) in developing postoperative infection, with 6 donors requiring treatment (NNT) to prevent one infection. Interpretation: Single dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis dramatically reduces post HALDN infection rates, mainly impacting SSIs and LRTIs. Trial Registration Number: Trial registration was with the European Union clinical trials register, no 2012-000942-36. Funding Statement: National Institute for Health Research (Project Number PB-PG-1010-23108). Declaration of Interests: We declare the authors have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval for the study was granted by the London Harrow Research Ethics Committee and regulatory approval by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). All subjects provided written consent.

Dual Antibiotic Therapy with Vancomycin and Cefazolin for Surgical Prophylaxis in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Perioperative administration of intravenous antibiotics is a routine part of total knee arthroplasty. Antibiotic selection is a matter of controversy, and the potential risks and benefits associated with each antibiotic selection need to be considered. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of routine dual antibiotic prophylaxis with both cefazolin and vancomycin on infection and renal failure after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with cefazolin alone.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of primary TKA patients for two years before and two years after routine dual antibiotic prophylaxis was implemented at our institution. 1502 patients were included (567 cefazolin-only and 935 dual prophylaxis). Results: 2 patients (0.4%) in the cefazolin-only group had a deep surgical site infection, compared with 13 patients (1.4%) in the dual prophylaxis group (p=0.06). 46 patients (8.1%) in the cefazolin-only group had postoperative renal failure, compared with 36 patients (3.9%) in the dual prophylaxis group (p=0.0006).Discussion and Conclusion: Our results did not support the routine use of vancomycin in primary total joint arthroplasty to decrease periprosthetic joint infection. However, we also did not see any clear harm due to renal failure in the routine use of dual antibiotic prophylaxis.

Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis Cost-effective for Dental Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Routine antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent prosthetic joint infection remains controversial. The lack of prophylaxis guideline consensus from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Dental Association (ADA) contributes to clinician confusion. This cost-effectiveness decision model informs the AP debate and guideline development by comparing the benefits, harms, and costs of alternative prophylaxis strategies. A Markov state-transition model was developed comparing lifetime health outcomes and costs of alternative AP strategies for dental patients aged 65 y with a history of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Based on our interpretation of AP recommendations from the AAOS and ADA, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated to compare the following strategies: no AP, AP for the first 2 y after a TKA, and lifetime AP. The no-AP strategy had the lowest average lifetime costs ($17,119) and quality-adjusted life years (11.2151). Compared with a no-prophylaxis strategy, the 2-y AP strategy had incremental costs of $56 and 0.0006 QALYs gained and was cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio = $95,100) when a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year was used. Based on the results of 1-way sensitivity analysis, the no-AP strategy was cost-effective when we modestly increased base case amoxicillin adverse event estimates that were substantially lower than estimates reported in previous models. When plausible combinations of important model parameters were varied, model results suggested that there may be clinical scenarios when AP may be appropriate for some medically at-risk patient populations. The results of cost-effectiveness decision modeling generally support questioning routine AP for dental patients with TKA. Sensitivity analyses suggest that prophylaxis may be cost-effective for patient populations with a higher medical risk of infection. This finding is consistent with the recommendations of the 2015 ADA practice guideline and the appropriate use criteria jointly developed by the AAOS and the ADA. The results of this decision modeling research support the contention that routine AP before invasive dental procedures to prevent prosthetic joint infection may not be cost-effective for patients without medical conditions, potentially conferring a higher infection risk. Model sensitivity analyses suggest that there may be clinical situations when medically at-risk patients benefit from AP.

Prevalence of Infections After In-Office Hysteroscopy in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

To estimate the incidence of infection after diagnostic and operative hysteroscopic procedures performed in an in-office setting with different distension media (saline solution or CO2). Prospective, multicenter, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Tertiary women's health centers. A total of 42,934 women who underwent hysteroscopy between 2015 and 2017. Of the 42,934 patients evaluated, 34,248 underwent a diagnostic intervention and 8686 underwent an operative intervention; 17,973 procedures used CO2 and 24,961 used saline solution as a distension medium. Patients were contacted after the procedure to record postprocedure symptoms suggestive of infection, including 2 or more of the following signs occurring within the 3 weeks after hysteroscopy: fever; lower abdominal pain; uterine, adnexal, or cervical motion tenderness; purulent leukorrhea; vaginal discharge or itchiness; and dysuria. Vaginal culture, clinical evaluation, transvaginal ultrasound, and histological evaluation were completed to evaluate symptoms. Operative hysteroscopies comprised polypectomies (n = 7125; 82.0%), metroplasty (n = 731; 15.0%), myomectomy (n = 378; 7.8%), and tubal sterilization (n = 194; 4.0%). Twenty-five of the 42,934 patients (0.06%) exhibited symptoms of infection, including 24 patients (96%) with fever, 11 (45.8%) with fever as a single symptom, 7 (29.2%) with fever with pelvic pain, and 10 (41.7%) with fever with dysuria. In 5 patients with fever and pelvic pain, clinical examination and transvaginal ultrasound revealed monolateral or bilateral tubo-ovarian abscess. In these patients, histological examination from surgical specimens revealed the presence of endometriotic lesions. The present study suggests that routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary before hysteroscopy because the prevalence of infections following in-office hysteroscopy is low (0.06%).

Prospective Evaluation of Predictive Parameters for Urinary Tract Infection in Patients with Acute Renal Colic

BackgroundAcute renal colic (ARC) is an emergency that can mostly be treated conservatively, but can be life threatening in combination with urinary tract infection (UTI). Assessment for infection includes white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP), but these parameters are often unspecifically elevated and might lead to antibiotic over-therapy. In times of increasing antibiotic resistance, however, unnecessary antibiotic therapy should be avoided. ObjectivesThe goal of the study was to investigate the prevalence of UTI proven by urine culture (UC) in patients with ARC and to identify predictive factors in the emergency setting. Patients and MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 200 consecutive patients with ARC and evaluated blood test results, urinalysis, UC, symptoms suspicious for UTI, and time between symptom onset and admission, as well as body temperature. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors. ResultsThere were 196 patients eligible for statistical analysis. UTI proven by positive UC was detected in 26 patients (13%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, suspicious urinalysis (positive nitrite or bacteria > 20/high-power field [hpf] or WBC > 20/hpf), patient age ≥ 54 years and CRP ≥ 1.5 mg/dL (fivefold increase) were significant predictors for the presence of UTI. Neither elevated WBC count nor typical UTI symptoms were associated with UTI. ConclusionsBased on our results, a routine antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with ARC does not seem to be appropriate. Patient age and CRP can help to decide if antibiotic treatment might be indicated, even in case of a not clearly suspicious urinalysis.

MP69-07 INCIDENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN NEWBORNS WITH SPINA BIFIDA: IS ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS NECESSARY?

Purpose:Urinary tract infections commonly occur in patients with spina bifida and pose a risk of renal scarring. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis has been utilized in newborns with spina bifida to pr...

Evidence-Based Use of Perioperative Antibiotics in Otolaryngology.

Objective To identify and clarify current evidence supporting and disputing the effectiveness of perioperative antibiotic use for common otolaryngology procedures. Data Sources PubMed, Embase (OVID), and CINAHL (EBSCO). Review Methods English-language, original research (systematic reviews/meta-analyses, randomized control trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, or case series) studies that evaluated the role of perioperative antibiotic use in common otolaryngology surgeries were systematically extracted using standardized search criteria by 2 investigators independently. Conclusions Current evidence does not support routine antibiotic prophylaxis for tonsillectomy, simple septorhinoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, clean otologic surgery (tympanostomy with tube placement, tympanoplasty, stapedectomy, and mastoidectomy), and clean head and neck surgeries (eg, thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, salivary gland excisions). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for complex septorhinoplasty, skull base surgery (anterior and lateral), clean-contaminated otologic surgery (cholesteatoma, purulent otorrhea), and clean-contaminated head and neck surgery (violation of aerodigestive tract, free flaps). In these cases, antibiotic use for 24 to 48 hours postoperatively has shown equal benefit to longer duration of prophylaxis. Despite lack of high-quality evidence, the US Food and Drug Administration suggests antibiotic prophylaxis for cochlear implantation due to the devastating consequence of infection. Data are inconclusive regarding postoperative prophylaxis for nasal packing/splints after sinonasal surgery. Implications for Practice Evidence does not support the use of perioperative antibiotics for most otolaryngologic procedures. Antibiotic overuse and variability among providers may be due to lack of formal practice guidelines. This review can help otolaryngologists understand current evidence so they can make informed decisions about perioperative antibiotic usage.

Evaluation of Prophylactic Antibiotic Use for Delayed Sternal Closure After Cardiothoracic Operation

Clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations for surgical prophylaxis in patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures. However, currently no recommendations guide the management of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients who require delayed sternal closure after cardiothoracic operation. This is a single-center, retrospective analysis. Data were extracted from The Society of Thoracic Surgery database and electronic medical record from July 2011 through January 2016. Patients included are adults (≥18 years old) after cardiothoracic operation with delayed sternal closure. A total of 167 patients were included for analysis. The majority of patients (131, 78.4%) were continued on routine antibiotics and 36 patients (21.6%) were switched to broad-spectrum antibiotics for prophylaxis. Of patients on routine antibiotic prophylaxis, 6 (4.6%) experienced a sternal surgical site infection, whereas 3 patients (8.3%) switched to broad-spectrum agents before chest closure experienced a sternal surgical site infection (p= 0.407). Eleven patients (6.6%) received an abbreviated duration of antibiotics, 52 patients (31.1%) were continued on antibiotics until the time of sternal closure, and 104 patients (62.3%) were continued on antibiotics past the time of sternal closure. The incidence of infection based on duration of prophylactic antibiotic was 0, 1 (1.9%), and 8 (7.7%), respectively (p= 0.352). Substantial variation was found in the duration and selection of antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with delayed sternal closure after cardiothoracic operation. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents and extended durations of antibiotic prophylaxis were not associated with benefits in the incidence of sternal wound infection and may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Survey of Surgeons Regarding Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Inguinal Hernia Repair.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in the mesh repair of inguinal hernias remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the perception of surgeons about surgical site infection and how this affects their clinical practice. A SurveyMonkey of general surgeons and senior surgical trainees was conducted via the local trust network and the questionnaire was displayed on the website of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland and Association of Surgeons in Training. Eighty-one responses were received from surgeons who perform an average of 75 hernia repairs per year - the majority by open technique. Thirty-six (44.4%) used routine antibiotic prophylaxis, 40 (49.4%) selectively, and five (6.2%) not at all as the five surgeons who did not use antibiotics perceived their surgical site infection rate to be <1% and have never removed an infected mesh from a hernia wound. There was no clear difference between those who use prophylactic antibiotics routinely or selectively as the experience of mesh explantation is similar (56% versus 55% had 2-10 meshes removed respectively). Seventy-seven (95%) of surgeons felt a new specific set of guidelines was required. This study highlights the fact that in the absence of clear guidelines, most surgeons base their use of prophylactic antibiotics on their perceived risk or experience of surgical site infection. There is a strong need for a new set of guidelines to address the use of prophylactic antibiotics in groin hernia surgery.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole versus No Treatment after Mid-to-Distal Hypospadias Repair: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

Purpose To evaluate the impact of prophylactic antibiotics after distal hypospadias repair on postoperative bacteriuria, symptomatic urinary tract infection, and postoperative complications in a prospective, randomized trial. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients aged 6 months to 2 years were enrolled at our institution between June 2013 and May 2017. Consenting patients were randomized to antibiotic prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus no antibiotic. Patients had catheterized urine samples obtained at surgery and 6–10 days postoperatively. The primary outcome was bacteriuria and pyuria at postoperative urine collection. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic urinary tract infection and postoperative complications. Results 70 patients consented to the study, of which 35 were randomized to receive antibiotics compared to 32 who did not. Demographics, severity of hypospadias, and type of repair were similar between the groups. Patients in the treatment group had significantly less pyuria (18%) and bacteriuria (11%) present at stent removal compared to the nontreatment group (55% and 63%; p=0.01 and p < 0.001, resp.). No patient had a symptomatic urinary tract infection. There were 11 postoperative complications. Conclusions Routine antibiotic prophylaxis appears to significantly decrease bacteriuria and pyuria in the immediate postoperative period; however, no difference was observed in symptomatic urinary tract infection or postoperative complications. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT02593903.