Use of Antimicrobials for Patients Undergoing Prostatectomy

Antibiotic prophylaxis in endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery

Infections are unusual following minimally invasive surgery but antibiotic prophylaxis is given in the same way as for the open surgery equivalents. Most prophylactic regimens have not been subjected to randomised placebo controlled trials. Antibiotic prophylaxis has been shown to be beneficial in transurethral resection of the prostate. In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) the incidence of bacteremia, but not cholangitis, is reduced by prophylaxis and some do not recommend its routine use. For arthroscopies and laparoscopies infection is too rare to warrant prophylaxis. There is a theoretical risk of infection in that endoscopes cannot withstand autoclaving so only high level disinfection can be used between patients. However, for most minimally invasive operations, the small wound size, reduced immune challenge and rapid recovery of the patient outweigh any disadvantages compared with open surgery.

Do antimicrobials have a role in preventing septicaemia following instrumentation of the urinary tract?

Urinary tract instrumentation is a significant cause of septicaemia. Review of the literature suggests that selective use of antimicrobials would reduce the risk of septicaemia as this varies between patients and with procedures. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is indicated for patients at high risk of endocarditis, or who are neutropenic. For patients without these risk factors, it is indicated for open, transurethral, or certain forms of laser prostatectomy or trans-rectal prostate biopsy. For cystoscopy, antimicrobials are indicated for patients with preoperative bacteriuria or a preoperative indwelling catheter. Single dose aminoglycosides or oral fluoroquinolones are the agents of choice with the exception of the prevention of endocarditis, where combinations active against streptococci are recommended. For other instrumentations, the risk of antimicrobial toxicity probably outweighs the benefits and a risk-reduction strategy is recommended. Further studies are required to provide definitive answers in many of these areas.

Perioperative care in the elderly urologic patient

This article summarizes the preoperative evaluation and postoperative care recommended for elderly patients undergoing urologic procedures. Most of the common issues faced during the perioperative period are discussed, but many other topics require reference to other sources or consultation with specialists. A thorough preoperative evaluation is needed, and meticulous attention to postoperative care is mandatory. The most important common problem is assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients and a general approach is suggested by the authors. Surgical risk in elderly patients is increased, but most of this excess risk is because of associated comorbid conditions. Effective pre- and postoperative assessment and care can minimize this risk and maximize the chances of a successful outcome.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in urology. Surgical and endoscopic surgery. Lithotripsy. Transplantation]

The opening of the urinary tract switches surgical and endoscopic urology to the clean contaminated category and therefore for each of them antibiotic prophylaxis has to be considered. Prophylactic antibiotics are only recommended before surgery in patients with sterile urine. Those with infected urine should have curative antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotics are commonly recommended for transurethral resection of the prostate, transrectal biopsy of the prostate, renal transplant and radical cystectomy with ileal or colonic pouch for urinary diversion. It is worthless in diagnostic cystoscopy. ESWL and scrotal surgery. For other procedures more data are required to conclude.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis for surgery

Infection of the surgical wound or deep structures violated during surgery account for a major portion of postoperative morbidity. The medical consultant should have an understanding of the principles of antimicrobial prophylaxis for postoperative infection in order to manage this complication in the postoperative period. This article assesses the risks for infection, patient preparation for surgery, and antibiotic usage in frequently performed surgeries.

Evaluation of immediate and late results of transurethral resection of the prostate

A total of 401 men who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) between 1983 and 1986, were prospectively evaluated in 1987, 167 of them were sent a questionnaire about their ability to pass urine 1990. Our results showed that TURP was safe with no immediate mortality. The hospital stay was, however, long (median 7.0 days). It should be possible to shorten the hospital stay of those in the age group 60 and 70 years. After a mean of 6.5 years, 92% of patients were satisfied with their ability to pass urine.

Prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents in adult patients

The prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents is recommended for prevention of numerous infections, including tuberculosis, endocarditis, rheumatic fever, recurrent cellulitis and lymphangitis in patients with lymphedema, meningococcal meningitis, and bite wounds. In addition, the prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents has proved effective in certain surgical procedures such as various abdominal operations, hysterectomy, and major operations that involve the head and neck. Except for oral bowel preparations, antimicrobial prophylaxis should be limited, in general, to the operative period. Prolonged perioperative prophylaxis has not been shown to enhance effectiveness and may result in increased toxicity, resistant superinfections, and inflated costs. The investigation of antimicrobial prophylaxis necessitates adequate evaluation of the potential advantages and disadvantages in a prospective, double-blind fashion.