Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Preventing Surgical Site Infections
1Dr M. Azhar Qureshi, 2Dr Shakeel Ahmed,3Dr Muhammad Parvez,4Dr Aman Ullah ,5Dr Farhat Bano, 6Dr Kaleem Akhtar
Submission: 01 January 2026 | Acceptance: 04 February 2026 | Publication: 01 March 2026,
1Associate professor of General Surgery, Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad
2Assistant professor, Surgery department Karachi Medical and Dental college, Karachi
3HOD, Wah Medical College, Islamabad
4Petroleum Limited Sui Field Hospital, Sui Balochistan
5Associate professor surgery SMBBMC (Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College)Lyari
6UHS
Abstract
Background
Among the most prevalent infections linked to healthcare, surgical site infections (SSIs) have a major impact on postoperative morbidity, mortality, extended hospital stays, and higher healthcare expenses. When used properly, prophylactic antibiotics are a popular preventive measure that lowers the risk of SSIs.
Objective
This study sought to determine the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in avoiding surgical site infections as well as the effects of antibiotic administration timing, choice, and duration on SSI outcomes.
Method
Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were used to do a thorough literature assessment. Based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, pertinent studies, such as cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews, were chosen. The type of antibiotic, when it was administered, the surgical method, and the results of SSI were all extracted and examined.
Results
The results showed that the frequency of surgical site infections during a variety of surgical procedures was considerably decreased by prophylactic antibiotics. The lowest SSI rates were linked to the administration of antibiotics within 60 minutes of the surgical incision. The most popular antibiotic was cefazolin; individuals with allergies or illnesses that were resistant were treated with vancomycin or clindamycin. In the majority of cases, single-dose prophylaxis was shown to be enough, and prolonged antibiotic treatment increased the risk of antimicrobial resistance and side effects but did not yield any extra advantages.
Conclusion
When used in accordance with evidence-based standards, prophylactic antibiotics are essential in preventing surgical site infections. To enhance their efficacy while lowering hazards, proper scheduling, optimal antibiotic selection, and adherence to specified duration are crucial. To stop abuse and fight antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic stewardship programs must be strengthened.
Keywords
Surgical site infections, prophylactic antibiotics, perioperative care, antibiotic timing, antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention, cefazolin, antibiotic stewardship.