Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis Practices Among Urologists and General Surgeons in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study Türkiye’deki Ürolog ve Genel Cerrahlar Arasında Perioperatif Antibiyotik Profilaksisi Uygulamaları: Kesitsel Bir Anket Çalışması

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Aydın Y. M., ŞEN M.

Journal of Uludag University Medical Faculty, cilt.52, 2026 (Scopus)

Özet

To evaluate perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) practices and factors associated with prolonged postoperative antibiotic use among urologists and general surgeons in Türkiye. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among actively practicing urologists and general surgeons in Türkiye between April-May 2026. The survey evaluated demographic characteristics, PAP preferences, postoperative antibiotic use patterns, institutional protocol adherence, and factors associated with prolonged prophylaxis. Prolonged postoperative antibiotic use was defined as antibiotic continuation beyond 24 hours. Comparisons between specialties were performed, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of prolonged antibiotic use. A total of 102 surgeons participated in the study, including 52 urologists and 50 general surgeons. First-generation cephalosporins were the most commonly preferred prophylactic antibiotics (49%). Although 66.7% of participants reported preferring a single-dose PAP strategy, 45.1% continued postoperative antibiotics beyond 24 hours in actual clinical practice, and 19.6% prescribed oral antibiotics at discharge. Fear of infection (43.1%), institutional habits (19.6%), and medicolegal concerns (17.6%) were the leading perceived reasons for prolonged antibiotic use. Urologists more frequently preferred third-generation cephalosporins, prolonged postoperative antibiotic use, and discharge oral antibiotics (all p<0.05). In multivariable analysis, urology specialty was the only independent predictor of prolonged postoperative antibiotic use (OR:3.87, 95% CI: 1.45–10.27, p=0.007). Prolonged postoperative antibiotic use remains highly prevalent among surgeons in Türkiye despite contemporary guideline recommendations. Significant discrepancies exist between theoretical knowledge and real-world clinical practice, particularly among urologists. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship interventions and improving adherence to evidence-based PAP protocols may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure.