Antibiotic prophylaxis and urologic surgery.

The significance of antibiotics as prophylaxis is related to their role in defending against anticipated infection. The critical factor is not only the antibiotic itself, but also the time of administration, which must be within a "decisive period" of three to four hours after the incision. Any inhibitor or enhancer of bacterial growth in a surgical incision must act during this critical period if it is to be effective. The incidence of infection is correlated with the presence of infected urine. Thus, perimanipulative antibiotic coverage can reduce the risk of infection in patients with infected urine.