title: Inappropriate use of antibiotics in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery.
abstract: We retrospectively examined prophylactic antibiotic use and documentation of wound classification in patients having gynecologic surgery at a tertiary hospital. Of the 326 cases reviewed, 175 (54%) received prophylactic antibiotics when not indicated according to guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Antibiotic administration varied significantly (P< 0.02) among the different types of surgery, being given in 82% of laparoscopic cases, 35% of nonobstetrical dilation and curettage and operative hysteroscopy procedures, and 51% of open abdominal procedures. There were no recorded episodes of anaphylaxis or pseudomembranous colitis. In conclusion, antibiotic use is high among gynecologic surgeons at a tertiary hospital, but this use was unnecessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Healthcare, and the Texas A&M School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Temple, Texas.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joyce
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Healthcare, and the Texas A&M School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Temple, Texas.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Langsjoen
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Healthcare, and the Texas A&M School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Temple, Texas.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sharadin
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Healthcare, and the Texas A&M School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Temple, Texas.
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Kuehl
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Healthcare, and the Texas A&M School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Temple, Texas.
authors.forename: Wilma I
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Larsen