THE ADVANTAGES OF ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN NEUROSURGERY

Prophylactic use of antibiotics in neurosurgery means the use of antibiotics in order to prevent infections of wounds and internal operative structures. The research was conducted on 44 patients with L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation operated at the Clinic of Neurosurgery in Niš during 2018. In 26 patients, antibiotic prophylaxis was used. In the remaining 18 patients, antibiotic prophylaxis was not applied and they were grouped into a control group. The average duration of the operation was 50 minutes. The antibiotic was used in a single dose first generation Cephalosporin, Cefazolin 1 g IV for patients with body weight less than 80 kg and 2 g for patients with body weight more than 80 kg. We observed the occurrence of wound infections and internal operational structures, the occurrence of unwanted effects and financial aspects. The goal of the work was to demonstrate that antibiotic prophylaxis is more favorable due to shorter time use of antibiotics, less side effects and overall financial benefit comparing to continuous antibiotic therapy. Acta Medica Medianae 2020;59(2):14-19.