The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7303 p731
12 June 2004

This article
Reprint   Photocopy

  Acrobat Reader

News summary

Antibacterial prophylaxis in arterial surgery

As part of its series on antibacterial prophylaxis in surgery, the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin reviews the clinical evidence for prophylaxis in surgery involving the arteries of the abdomen, pelvis and legs (2004;42:43). It states that such prophylaxis is “mandatory” and suggests that prophylaxis requires an antibacterial agent with activity against staphylococci and Gram-negative bacteria (eg, a second-generation cephalosporin or co-amoxiclav).

The DTB also recommends that all patients undergoing this sort of surgery should be screened for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus before admission to hospital. “Prophylaxis with a glycopeptide might be merited for patients considered to be at high risk for developing MRSA wound or graft infection, such as those known to be colonised with the organism at the time of surgery.” However, the DTB says glycopeptides should not be used routinely for surgical prophylaxis. “The decision to use a glycoprotein for prophylaxis ultimately depends on knowledge of the local microbiological environment and pattern of surgical infections,” it states.


CPD, p743