Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Prescribing Guideline

Version 3.0, approved 7 December 2021

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis is an accepted part of surgical practice in some procedures to prevent infections at the surgical site and optimise postoperative recovery. The use of antimicrobials for the prevention of infection must be weighed against any harm associated with their use (such as allergic and adverse drug reactions) and potential contribution to the development of antimicrobial resistance.

This Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Prescribing Guideline (PDF 1218KB) has been developed and endorsed by the SAAGAR to assist clinicians with recommendations on appropriate antimicrobial dosage and administration, risks and contraindications, and postoperative care for a range of surgical procedures. 

The recommendations within this guideline are in accordance with guidance published in the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines1, and are intended to allow for some variations for South Australian patient demographics and resistance patterns.

Individual appendices

Roles and responsibility

The Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Prescribing Guideline applies to surgery performed in all South Australian public hospitals. The guideline may also be used in private surgical facilities.

Notes

1 - Antibiotic Expert Groups. Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic (version 16). Melbourne, 2019