Head and neck surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in resource-constrained settings

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Surgical Infections

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, causing nearly 700,000 deaths annually.
• The rapid spread of resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health worldwide, necessitating urgent global action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks associated with surgical site infections (SSI) in head and neck surgery.
• To explore surgical limitations in resource-constrained settings and the impact of comorbidities on SSI risk.
• To examine evidence on surgical prophylaxis from low and middle-income countries and strategies to reduce resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on antimicrobial resistance, surgical site infections, and prophylaxis in head and neck surgery.
• Analysis of data from low and middle-income countries regarding SSI risk and antibiotic resistance patterns.
• Synthesis of evidence on strategies to bridge the SSI gap between developed and developing nations.

Main Results:

• Significant risks of SSI exist in head and neck surgery, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Comorbidities exacerbate SSI risk, highlighting the need for tailored patient management.
• Evidence from low and middle-income countries indicates a gap in SSI prevention and resistance management compared to developed nations.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic protocols should be adapted to local and regional bacterial resistance profiles.
• Consideration of antibiotic availability and cost limitations is crucial for effective SSI risk reduction.
• Tailoring antibiotic strategies to country-specific contexts can decrease the incidence of surgical site infections.