Topical antibiotics to prevent surgical site infection after minor surgery in primary care

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) after minor surgery in primary care can compromise cosmetic outcomes, delay wound healing and increase costs. In addition to efficacy, adverse effects must be considered when considering antibiotic prophylaxis. There is no prior published literature regarding the proportion of general practitioners (GPs) who use topical antibiotics as SSI prophylaxis following minor surgery. OBJECTIVES: To identify the proportion of GPs in a regional center in Queensland, Australia who apply topical antibiotics to wounds prevent SSIs after minor surgery. METHOD: A database of 90 GPs was established, and they were invited to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: The response rate was 62% (56/90). Topical antibiotics prophylaxis was reported as being used always or sometimes in routine practice by 18% (10/56) of participants after both skin lesion excision and repair of lacerations. In the context of high-risk situations, on the other hand, use was higher. They were more likely to be used in high-risk situations, most frequently in diabetic patients (41.0% [23/56]) and immunocompromised patients (46.5% [26/56]). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based prescribing of antibiotics is vital. Topical antibiotic prophylaxis is often prescribed excessively after clean dermatological surgery, however, in our sample of GPs, only 18% used topical antibiotics always or sometimes in their practice.