Abstract

In terms of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical patients, incorrect application in hospitals is still one of the most frequently made errors in the medical practice. Surgical site infections, with a rate of 15%-18%, are seen as the second most prevalent of all nosocomial infections.The aim of our study was to investigate the use of antibiotics implemented in surgical prophylaxis. The study was conducted on 180 patients on whom elective surgery was performed in Mardin State Hospital between the dates of September 1 and December 31, 2013. Drug distribution was made according to age, gender, risk factors for surgical site infection; ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, the name of the prophylactic antibiotics used, clinics distribution, and wound classification. Our study determined that in 71.7% of the cases, prophylaxis was given in incorrect doses; that it was continued for too long a period in 56.2%; and that an inappropriate antibiotic had been selected in 51.7%. It has become more important for the infection control committee to not only create a guide, but also to periodically update training in coordination with anesthesiologists and surgical specialists and take necessary measures. The contribution of the clinical pharmacy practice to the solution of this problem must be discussed.

Key words: antibiotics, surgery, clinical pharmacy, prophylaxis