[The principles of use of antibiotic drugs in plastic surgery: a preliminary exploration].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the use of antibiotic drugs in the plastic surgery patients.

METHODS

With a random-sampling method, the patterns of use of antibiotic drugs were reviewed in 840 cases (1014 surgical operations) from the Plastic Surgery Hospital, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

RESULTS

About 99.21 per cent of patients received antibiotic drugs, and prophylaxis accounted for about 99.70 per cent of all antibiotic drugs. The drugs used most often for prophylaxis were penicillin, followed by cephalosporins.

CONCLUSION

By analysing the data, it is clearly shown that there exist abuse and inappropriate use of antibiotic drugs. Surgeons must keep in mind that antibiotic prophylaxis should be used with appropriate indications, optimum time and duration.