| Sub-title | |
| Authors | M Grima M Said |
| Abstract | Introduction: Despite the large number of studies on the usefulness of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery, there is little or no guidance on how to implement new codes of practice, or how to audit current guidelines. Aims: In this study the authors analyse clinical outcomes in order to assess the validity of antibiotic prophylaxis in uncomplicated nasal surgery. Methods: Three groups of selected patients were studied. One group was treated with a single peroperative intravenous antibiotic dose, a second group was postoperatively given a standard five day course of antibiotic, and a third group was given no antibiotics at all. Incidence of complications, average recovery times and drug adverse reactions was compared for the three groups. Results: There was no significant difference in incidence of complications, in average recovery times or in the incidence of drug adverse effects, between the three groups. Conclusions: In the absence of any evidence of clincal benefit obtained from the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in uncomplicated nasal surgery, it is not felt that the application of this practice is justified |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | antibiotic prophylaxis, nasal surgery |