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Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective in preventing surgical-site infections (SSIs). Detailed recommendations for drug choice, timing, and duration have been issued by scientific societies but are quite often ignored or carelessly followed in daily practice. What is the effect of noncompliance with individual measures of SSI prophylaxis?
To find out, researchers reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent elective colorectal, neurosurgical, or orthopedic procedures between January and March 2008 at a hospital in Singapore. Among 216 patients, 18 (8%) developed SSIs. Antibiotic timing was correct in 83% of the procedures, and choice of antibiotic was appropriate in 64%. However, repeat dosing — when appropriate — was correct in only …