Related Experiment Videos
Antibiotic prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgery
Yunus A Gul1, Lee H Lian, Faisal M Jabar
1Department of Surgery, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. yunus@medic.upm.edu.my
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|May 2, 2002
Summary
Surgeons often give more antibiotic doses than recommended in colorectal surgery. This practice may stem from a lack of evidence-based guidelines and adherence to personal preference over medical literature.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Infection Prevention
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Antibiotic Stewardship
Background:
- Prophylactic antibiotics are standard in elective colorectal surgery to prevent wound infections.
- A common practice is the prolonged postoperative administration of these antibiotics.
- This study investigates the patterns and evidence basis of antibiotic use in this surgical context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pattern of prophylactic antibiotic utilization in elective colorectal surgery.
- To assess the adherence to evidence-based medicine in antibiotic prescribing practices.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 144 general surgeons performing elective colorectal surgery.
- Questionnaires assessed antibiotic type, timing, and duration, alongside audit rates and guideline availability.
- Data were collected from national, academic, and private healthcare settings.
Main Results:
- A 67% response rate (n=96) was achieved.
- 72% of surgeons used more than the single dose recommended by evidence and guidelines.
- Prescribing was based on literature (42%), hospital guidelines (32%), personal preference (22%), or colleague practices (4%).
Conclusions:
- A significant number of surgeons administer excessive prophylactic antibiotic doses in elective colorectal surgery.
- Lack of appropriate guidelines and failure to implement evidence-based medicine appear to be key contributing factors.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for this prescribing behavior.