Intermediate
Technical
IVT
perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis
Prophylactic antibiotic administration before and during surgery to prevent surgical site infections.
Full Definition
The administration of antibiotics within a specific timeframe before surgical incision to achieve therapeutic tissue concentrations and reduce the risk of surgical site infections. In emergency surgery, prophylaxis selection must account for contamination level, patient factors, and local resistance patterns. Timing is critical, with antibiotics ideally given within 60 minutes of incision, and duration is typically limited to 24 hours unless ongoing contamination or infection is present.
Usage
Usage note: Document timing of administration relative to incision and discontinuation orders.
In Context
- "Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin was administered 30 minutes prior to incision." — Anesthesia preoperative note
- "Extended perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was continued for 24 hours due to gross contamination encountered during surgery." — Postoperative care orders
Also known as
surgical antibiotic prophylaxis
preoperative antibiotics
Contrasted with
therapeutic antibiotics
postoperative treatment
Don't confuse with
empiric antibiotic therapy
directed antibiotic treatment