Administration of heparin and antibiotic prophylaxis.

An audit was performed to examine the time of administration of heparin and antibiotic prophylaxis to patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and post-operative wound infection. The records of 648 consecutive patients undergoing major surgery within a 12-month period were reviewed retrospectively. Heparin prophylaxis was given before surgery to only 30.9 per cent of patients undergoing elective procedures and in only 22.7 per cent of emergencies. Antibiotic prophylaxis was given before operation or at induction of anaesthesia to 82.1 per cent of patients undergoing elective procedures and in only 72.1 per cent of emergencies. It is concluded that administration of heparin and antibiotic prophylaxis is inadequate despite the provision of a written protocol.