H. S. Santa Cruz1, G. K. Cakmak2, C. Mathelin3, H. Lee4, B. L. Smith1, T. Ozmen1 1Massachusetts General Hospital, Surgical Oncology, Boston, MASSACHUSETTS, USA 2Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, Breast And Endocrine, Zonguldak, ZONGULDAK IL, Turkey 3Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Surgery, Strasbourg, ALSACE, France 4Seoul National University College of Medicine, Surgery, Seoul, GYEONGGI, South Korea
Introduction: Prophylactic antibiotic usage is a common practice in breast cancer surgery to prevent surgical site infections. However, there is limited information on the global patterns of antibiotic usage in this setting. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and preferences of prophylactic antibiotic usage in breast cancer surgery among surgeons across different continents.
Methods: A multi-continental survey study was conducted among 295 surgeons who were actively involved in breast cancer surgery around the world. The survey collected information on prophylactic antibiotic usage, preferred antibiotic choice, and factors influencing antibiotic prescribing patterns.
Results: The survey revealed that prophylactic antibiotic usage was widespread, with an overall prevalence of 89% among respondents. Cephalosporins were the most preferred antibiotics for prophylaxis. Antibiotic usage was similar and high among surgeons practicing in Europe (90%), Asia (87%), and other continents (91%). Academic surgeons and those dedicating a larger portion of their practice to breast cancer surgery reported more frequent use of prophylactic antibiotics. Surgeons with > 25 years of practice had the lowest rate of prophylactic antibiotic use.
Conclusion: This multi-continental survey study highlights the high prevalence of prophylactic antibiotic usage in breast cancer surgery, with cephalosporins being the preferred choice. Antibiotic usage was similar and high among surgeons around the world. Furthermore, academic surgeons and those specializing in breast cancer surgery were more likely to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. These findings provide valuable insights into the current practices and trends in antibiotic usage in breast cancer surgery, emphasizing the need for further research and guidelines to optimize antibiotic stewardship in this surgical setting.
