Postoperative antibiotic use of septoplasty: A survey of practice habits of the membership of the American Rhinologic Society

Prophylactic antibiotics are used routinely in otolaryngology. Little objective data exist concerning their use in sinonasal procedures. We wished to determine the practice patterns of otolaryngologists regarding prophylactic antibiotics for septoplasty patients. A survey of 743 (60.3% responded) members of the American Rhinologic Society was used to get information about their practice habits and rationale for using antibiotics after septoplasty. Sixty-six percent of respondents routinely used antibiotics. Postoperative infection and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) were the primary indications. Forty-four percent of respondents used some form of packing and 38% used a splint. There was no relationship between the annual number of procedures and the reasons for using antibiotics. Doctors who performed more than 50 cases a year were less likely to use packing or splints (p < 0.001). Older surgeons used less packing/splints (p < 0.001). Respondents who used packing/splints were more likely to use antibiotics (p = 0.008). Older respondents used packing whereas younger respondents used splints (p = 0.002). The rationale for antibiotics varied by age; younger surgeons are more concerned with TSS and older physicians were more concerned with infection (p = 0.005). This survey shows great variability in the usage and rationale for antibiotics after septoplasty.