Authors' objectives:

This report summarises the effectiveness of different antimicrobial regimens used for the prevention of surgical wound infection in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Authors' recommendations: Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective for the prevention of surgical wound infections in colorectal surgery and should be used. No 'gold standard' regimen can be identified. There is no difference in the rate of surgical wound infections between many different regimens, though certain regimens appear to be inadequate. Single dose regimen may be as effective as multiple dose regimen and have related cost benefits. Guidelines based on existing evidence should take into account local prevalence of pathogens and resistance profiles in order to achieve more cost-effective use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in colorectal surgery. Appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in colorectal surgery may help to reduce the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Despite adverse publicity concerning the use of antibiotics, GP's should advise patients being referred for colorectal surgery that the appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis can reduce the risk of surgical wound infections.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 1998

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination