The study found that by giving intravenous antibiotics just prior to the start of a surgical procedure, the number of infections dropped by as much as 50%. It also suggested that it is important that this occur within two (2) hours of the start of the operation to be most effective. Dr. David Classen, of the LDS Hospital, said that this minor change of the administration of the infection fighting drugs has changed the course of many post operative complications. Dr. Classen also said that this seemingly simple idea has also reduced post-operative disability and saved hundreds of thousands of healthcare dollars.
The report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, said that as many as 920,000 people suffer annually from the effects of post operative infections. A commentary from Dr. Richard Wenzel of the University of Iowa Hospitals, which accompanied the study, said that this change could save as much as $1.5 million dollars that are spent on the treatment of infections each year. Dr. Wenzel also commented that the most advantageous result can be obtained by insuring high blood levels of antibiotics just prior to the start of the operation.
According to Dr. Classen, there are few contraindications for this procedure, except allergies to the antibiotics themselves. This difficulty can be prevented by assuring that the appropriate medications for each patient are given, according to the doctors. Both Dr. Classen and Dr. Wenzel said that this idea should be undertaken everywhere at the earliest opportunity.
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