The Risk of Prescribing Antibiotics “just-in-case” There is Infection

The habit of prescribing antibiotics “just-in-case” there is infection is based on the misguided perception that antibiotics are “safe” drugs and therefore pose little risk to patients. Surgeons need to dispel this myth. One in five patients experience an antibiotic adverse drug event. The risk of overprescribing antibiotics fa r outweighs the perceived benefit and contributes to antibiotic resistance which not only threatens the efficacy of prophylaxis it also threatens the practice of surgery. Every unnecessary antibiotic contributes to a scenario in which patients who need surgery can no longer be protected from infecti ons by antibiotic prophylaxis.

Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - September 22, 2017 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Debra A. Goff, Thomas M. File Source Type: research