Preventing Postoperative InfectionsCurrent Treatment Recommendations

Surgical site infections (SSI) remain a major source of postoperative morbidity. The preventive effect of antimicrobial drugs on postoperative infections is without debate. The common basis of accepted indications for prophylaxis is available evidence of effect. Valid reasons to administer antimicrobial prophylaxis include a significant reduction of SSI or reducing the risk of SSI in procedures where the consequences of infection are serious or even disastrous. The antimicrobial drug must be effective against pathogens associated with infection after a given procedure. The first generation cephalosporin, cefazolin, has been considered one of the prophylactic drugs of choice in many authoritative guidelines.