Attitudes on Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Dermatologic Surgery: A Survey Study of American College of Mohs Surgery Members. Issue 3 (2nd March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aizman, Leora; Barbieri, John S.; Lukowiak, Tess M.; Perz, Allison M.; Sobanko, Joseph F.; Shin, Thuzar M.; Higgins, Harold William; Giordano, Cerrene N.; Maher, Ian A.; Golda, Nicholas; Miller, Christopher J.; Etzkorn, Jeremy R.
• Is Part Of: Dermatologic surgery. Volume 47:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 342
• Publication Date: 2021-03-02
• Subjects: Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.477
• DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002676
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-0512

Abstract

Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract : BACKGROUND: Antibiotic prescriptions associated with dermatologic surgical visits are increasing and prescribing practices vary among surgeons. OBJECTIVE: To describe dermatologic surgeons' attitudes and practices regarding prophylactic antibiotic use for surgical site infection (SSI), to compare current prescribing practices to those of a 2012 survey, and to determine surgeons' interest in clinical trial data on the utility of prophylactic antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional online survey of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) members. Survey items were adapted from a 2012 survey of ACMS members. RESULTS: The survey was initiated by 101 ACMS members. 75.25% (76/101) of surgeons reported routinely prescribing prophylactic antibiotics to reduce SSI risk. The use of prophylactic antibiotics varied with clinical scenario. Most providers (84.21%, 64/76) prescribe postoperative antibiotics, with an average course of 6.56 days. 40.21% (39/97) of respondents were uncertain if prophylaxis prevents SSI, and up to 90.63% (87/96) indicated interest in clinical trial data evaluating the efficacy of oral antibiotics for SSI prevention. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic surgeons continue to report varied attitudes and practices for SSI prophylaxis. Evidence from clinical trials is desired by surgeons to guide clinical practice.