[Problems with infections during the perioperative period]

The paper addresses issues related to the prophylactic and empirical use of antibiotics in surgery. Apart from the factors related to post-operation infections, it presents recommendations and proposals for the prophylactic use of antibiotics in particular types of operations. The recommendations are based on the American and European specialist literature, with the differences between these two approaches clearly outlined. Additional comments are provided for the important elements of prophylactics in particular types of operations. In the part concerning the use of antibiotics in treatment of intra-abdominal infections, the focus is on the general rules for antibiotherapy in pancreatitis. There is also a discussion of mycotic complications accompanying intra-abdominal infections. The paper ends with specific indications for the empirical use of antibiotics in intra-abdominal infections.