Surgical prophylaxis

Background

• Prophylactic antibiotics given before surgical procedures to reduce surgical site infections
• Timing: within 60 minutes prior to incision (120 minutes for vancomycin and fluoroquinolones)
• Redosing during surgery based on half-life and duration of procedure

Clinical Features

• Not applicable (preventive measure)

Evaluation

• Assess patient allergies
• Consider procedure type and likely pathogens
• Review institutional antibiograms

Management

Antibiotic Dosing

• Ceftriaxone 2g IV within 60 minutes of incision

Disposition

• Continue prophylaxis per surgical protocol
• Discontinue within 24 hours postoperatively for most procedures

See Also

• Wound infection