Role of oral antibiotics for prophylaxis against surgical site infections after elective colorectal surgery

doi:10.4240/wjgs.v9.i12.246

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World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

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1948-9366

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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World J Gastrointest Surg. Dec 27, 2017; 9(12): 246-255
Published online Dec 27, 2017. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v9.i12.246

Role of oral antibiotics for prophylaxis against surgical site infections after elective colorectal surgery

Shamir O Cawich, Sachin Teelucksingh, Samara Hassranah, Vijay Naraynsingh

Shamir O Cawich, Sachin Teelucksingh, Samara Hassranah, Vijay Naraynsingh, Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

Author contributions: All authors equally contributed to this paper with conception and design of the study, literature review and analysis, drafting and critical revision and editing, and final approval of the final version.

Conflict-of-interest statement: No potential conflicts of interest.

Correspondence to: Shamir O Cawich, FRCS (Gen Surg), Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. socawich@allpsgroup.com

Telephone: +8-68-6229909

Received: September 5, 2017
Peer-review started: September 5, 2017
First decision: September 26, 2017
Revised: October 28, 2017
Accepted: November 11, 2017
Article in press: December 11, 2017
Published online: December 27, 2017
Processing time: 113 Days and 20.2 Hours

Abstract

Over the past few decades, surgeons have made many attempts to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) after elective colorectal surgery. Routine faecal diversion is no longer practiced in elective colonic surgery and mechanical bowel preparation is on the verge of being eliminated altogether. Intravenous antibiotics have become the standard of care as prophylaxis against SSI for elective colorectal operations. However, the role of oral antibiotics is still being debated. We review the available data evaluating the role of oral antibiotics as prophylaxis for SSI in colorectal surgery.

Keywords: Colorectal; Anastomosis; Leak; Antibiotics; Bowel preparation

Core tip: The role of oral antibiotics to reduce surgical site infections (SSI) after elective colorectal surgery is not yet settled. The research in this area has been overshadowed by studies examining mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and intravenous antibiotics. Existing data show that intravenous antibiotics are now considered standardized prophylaxis, and MBP is on the verge of being eliminated altogether. We review the available data evaluating the role of oral antibiotics as prophylaxis for SSI in colorectal surgery.