Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in Spanish hospitals: Results of a questionnaire survey

A questionnaire survey was sent to a random sample of the Spanish network o f National Health System public acute-care hospitals. Of responding institu tions (representing 25% of Spanish hospital beds), nearly 75% had active su rveillance programs for the prevention and control of surgical-site infecti ons (SSIs), but only 20% performed postdischarge surveillance. Overall, per ioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) was used in 84% of all surgical pro cedures. For 77% of procedures, there were written guidelines for the choic e and use of PAP. Cefazolin was the most commonly used antibiotic (38%). Du ration of PAP was shorter than 24 hours in 75% of procedures, and only a si ngle dose was given in 52% of procedures. PAP was commonly used in breast ( 52%) and inguinal hernia repair (69%) procedures, as well as in laparoscopi c abdominal surgery (86%). In summary, the use of PAP in Spanish hospitals is adequate, but Improvements can be made in the frequency of prolonged PAP and in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surveillance systems for SSI , including postdischarge follow-up, also should be improved (Infect Contro l Hosp Epidemiol 1999;20:436-439).