Prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean section and surgical procedures.

Although prophylactic antibiotics are used frequently on women undergoing pelvic surgery, including cesarean section, they should be reserved for patients who have a significant risk of infection. Among such patients are those who have undergone vaginal hysterectomy or cesarean section after having been in labor with ruptured membranes. Prophylaxis should be limited to one to three doses of antibiotic, with the newer broad-spectrum antibiotics and combination antimicrobial agents reserved for more serious, established infections.