Principles of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis in surgery.

In the last fifteen years great efforts have been made to establish the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in surgery. The most common error in the use of prophylactic antibiotics is to continue the drugs beyond the time necessary for maximal benefit: the smallest dose of the drug should be given over the shortest period of time which results in a low rate of postoperative septic complications. In the selection of appropriate antimicrobial drugs for prevention or therapy of surgical infections the most important pharmacological and clinical factors affecting the choice are considered.