[Rational practice of preventive antibiotic therapy in surgery].

The use of preventive antibiotic therapy to reduce frequency and severity of infections related to certain surgical acts still remains a subject of polemic and confusion. The need to employ definitions and therefore a common language to arrive at a consensus in each surgical team and for each surgical procedure is emphasized. The major principles guiding bacteriologic objectives are discussed, as well as the choice of corresponding antibiotic and its mode of administration.