An audit of prophylactic antibiotic use in laryngeal reconstruction surgery

Objective: Published data on the role of antibiotics after open airway reconstruction surgery in children is lacking. We reviewed adherence to our own departmental antibiotic protocol to determine its adequacy and effectiveness. Methods: We reviewed the records of all children undergoing open airway reconstruction surgery 20032007 in our unit which is based in a tertiary referral children's hospital. Results: 36 children underwent surgery, of whom 32 were given appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. Failure to give antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with increased rates of infection (wound infection and pneumonia) and with a longer stay in the ITU. Conclusions: We present a revised antibiotic protocol based on our experience and local antibiotic advice. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.