General Concepts for Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery

Postoperative infections have always limited the development of surgical techniques. In addition to hygiene procedures, use of antiseptics, and comprehension of the pathophysiology of infection, the use of antibiotics seems mandatory before many surgical procedures. Though the principles of presurgical administration of antibiotics are now well-defined, a few controversies persist. In this chapter, we will discuss the general concepts of antimicrobial prophylaxis, and their specific applications in 1992.