[Preventive use of antibiotics in surgery: a review]

As a rule, prophylactic antibiotics should only be given pre- or perioperatively as a single shot. Cephalosporins of the first and second generation are still quite effective and appear to be the most widely used drugs for this purpose. In some cases a second drug, like i.e. metronidazole, can be added. For each surgical specialty, the most appropriate prophylactic regimen is discussed.