Timing, dosing and duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in urology: a study in guinea pigs with special reference to high-risk conditions.

A study in guinea pigs was performed to investigate the importance of timing, dosage and duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in urologic surgery. To simulate high-risk conditions, in one group a foreign body was implanted subcutaneously. The prostate and one kidney were cauterized and bacteremia was induced by intravenous injection of an Escherichia coli suspension. Various ciprofloxacin regimens were tested. The results indicate that antimicrobial prophylaxis is beneficial only if administered before or shortly after surgery. Full therapeutic dosage may not be necessary for prophylactic efficacy. Single-dose prophylaxis was as effective as multiple doses. Foreign body infection could be prevented by single-dose prophylaxis.