Prophylaxy with antibiotics in cardiovascular surgery

Abstract

Prophylaxis with antibiotics has an important role in cardiovascular surgery. Reducing mortality and morbidity of patients by preventing infections during open heart surgery is noteworthy. At first, penicillines and stereptomycines were used for prophylaxis in cardiothoracic surgery. Also pencillines have been still used as prophylactic agents widely. Specially, cephalosporines (I, II lines) are prefered agents by some centers. Prophylaxis with antibiotics in surgery of congenital heart disease is more important especially in newborns because their immun system has not matured.Besides applying deep circulatory arrest imposes unwanted effects on immune system like every other organ. Percutaneous applying devices like intra-aortic balloon pomps, delayed extubation, long-lasted cardiopulmonary bypass, delayed sternum closing and longer hospitalisations in intensive care unit all increase risk of infections. Antibiotic prophylaxis gains more importance in this respect. Except for antibiotics, suitable air-conditioning, efficient sterilization of surgical tools, and most important of them personnel that have good professional discipline and complete attention to surgical procedure reduce the risk of infection.