A Comparative Analysis of Prophylactic Antibiotic Administration in Emergency Surgery Versus Elective Surgery: A Comprehensive Review

Cureus. 2024 Mar 31;16(3):e57338. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57338. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute to increased patient morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and substantial healthcare costs. Prophylactic antibiotics play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of SSIs, with their administration being a standard practice before both emergency and elective surgeries. This paper provides a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of the benefits of prophylactic antibiotic administration in emergency surgery versus elective surgery. Through a systematic literature review and analysis of relevant studies identified through PubMed searches, this paper highlights the specific benefits of prophylactic antibiotics between emergency and elective surgeries. The findings underscore the importance of tailored antibiotic regimens and administration protocols to optimize patient care and promote successful surgical outcomes in diverse clinical settings. Further research is warranted to refine guidelines and enhance understanding of the relationship between prophylactic antibiotics and surgical outcomes across different surgical contexts.

Keywords: antibiotic administration; emergency and elective surgery; general emergency surgery; postoperative complication; preoperative planning; prophylactic antibiotics; surgical site complication; surgical site infection (ssi).

Publication types

  • Review