Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Treating Wisely: The Surgeon's Role in Antibiotic Stewardship
Ira L Leeds1, Anne Fabrizio, Sara E Cosgrove
1*Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD †Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC ‡Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine §Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue. Surgeons can improve antibiotic prescribing to combat resistant bacteria, also known as "superbugs," and enhance patient care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Practice
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant public health threat, necessitating national action plans to combat resistant bacteria.
- While stewardship efforts have largely focused on primary care, surgeons represent a critical, yet often overlooked, group for improving antibiotic prescribing.
- Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for surgical conditions is common, highlighting a gap in current practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the scope of antibiotic misuse in surgical patients.
- To identify immediate practice improvements for surgeons regarding antibiotic stewardship.
- To advocate for enhanced surgical antibiotic stewardship initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and quality improvement efforts related to antibiotic prescribing in surgery.
- Analysis of antibiotic misuse patterns in surgical disease management.
- Discussion of practical strategies and advocacy roles for surgeons.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic misuse in surgical patients is prevalent.
- Evidence-based prescribing practices are frequently not followed in surgical settings.
- Opportunities for improvement exist in daily surgical care and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Conclusions:
- Surgeons play a vital role in mitigating the threat of antibiotic resistance.
- Implementing antibiotic stewardship is essential for all surgical practices.
- Proactive engagement by surgeons can significantly impact antibiotic resistance trends.
Related Concept Videos
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance