202: Perioperative Considerations in Dermatologic Surgery Flashcards
What are the implications of hypertension and diabetes on surgical outcomes?
Hypertension may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, while uncontrolled diabetes can lead to delayed wound healing and an increased risk of infection.
What is the most common organism causing infection after cutaneous surgery?
The most common organism resulting in infection following cutaneous surgery is Staphylococcus aureus.
Why is the timing of antibiotic administration critical in surgical procedures?
Initiation of an antibiotic preoperatively or within 2 to 3 hours postoperatively is crucial as it provides maximal protection against infection before bacterial colonization of the wound occurs.
What are the two major concerns for prophylactic antibiotics in dermatologic surgery?
The two major concerns are infective endocarditis and prosthetic joint infection.
What factors may increase the risk of surgical site infection?
Factors that may increase the risk of infection include:
- Microbial pathogenicity
- Length of surgery
- Presence of foreign material (including suture or dead space)
- Poor suturing or reconstructive technique
- Poor vascular supply
- Host immunity
What is the recommended prophylactic antibiotic regimen for patients with a history of prosthetic joint infection?
For patients with a history of prosthetic joint infection, the recommended prophylactic regimen is:
- Cephalexin (2 g by mouth for non-oral sites) or Amoxicillin (2 g by mouth for oral sites) 1 hour prior to surgery.
Alternatives for those with penicillin allergy include Clindamycin 600 mg or Azithromycin 500 mg by mouth, 1 hour prior to surgery.
What is the role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in preventing infective endocarditis?
Antimicrobial prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial endocarditis is only indicated for patients with cardiac conditions that confer the highest risk of adverse outcomes from infective endocarditis, although there is no convincing evidence that it significantly benefits prevention.
How should a patient with a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) be managed preoperatively?
Treatment of the nasal vestibule with mupirocin 2% ointment prior to surgery may decrease the risk of MRSA wound infection.
In which scenarios should prophylactic antibiotics be considered to prevent surgical site infection?
Prophylactic antibiotics should be considered in cases such as:
- Inflamed or infected skin close to surgical site
- Skin graft procedures
- Wedge excision of the lip
- Mucosal, congenital, or lower leg procedures
- Immunocompromised patients
What is the recommended antibiotic regimen for endocarditis prophylaxis prior to a cutaneous surgical procedure?
The recommended regimen is cephalexin (2 g by mouth for non-oral sites) or amoxicillin (2 g by mouth for oral sites), taken 1 hour prior to the procedure.
What alternative antibiotics can be used for patients with a penicillin allergy for prophylaxis?
For patients with a penicillin allergy, alternatives include clindamycin 600 mg by mouth or azithromycin 500 mg by mouth, taken 1 hour prior to surgery.
How does the presence of implantable electronic devices affect the surgical approach?
The presence and proximity of implantable electronic devices may require a modification of the intraoperative approach to hemostasis to avoid adversely affecting the function of the device.
What is the clinical significance of administering prophylactic antibiotics in patients with a history of prosthetic joint infection?
Prophylactic antibiotics may be appropriate for patients with a history of previous prosthetic joint infection or those with high-risk comorbidities, as they are at increased risk for surgical site infections.
What is the role of mupirocin ointment in preoperative care for nasal carriers of MRSA?
Mupirocin 2% ointment may be used to decrease the risk of MRSA wound infection in nasal carriers, although resistance to mupirocin has been reported in up to 12% of individuals.
What is the importance of maintaining a sterile procedural field during surgery?
Maintaining a sterile procedural field is imperative to minimize the risk of postsurgical wound infection.
What are the potential risks associated with antibiotic prophylaxis?
The risks of antibiotic-associated side effects may exceed the benefits, particularly in patients undergoing procedures with a low risk of infection.
What is the significance of preoperative assessment in ensuring a successful surgical procedure?
Preoperative assessment is critical for identifying patient-specific factors that may impact surgical outcomes and for planning appropriate interventions to mitigate risks.
How does the risk of infective endocarditis vary with different types of surgical procedures?
The risk of infective endocarditis is generally considered to be highest for dental procedures and is extrapolated to patients undergoing surgical procedures of infected skin or skin structures.
What is the recommended timing for administering prophylactic antibiotics in relation to surgery?
Prophylactic antibiotics should be administered 1 hour prior to the surgical procedure to ensure adequate levels at the time of incision.
What are the implications of a patient’s cardiac history on the use of prophylactic antibiotics?
Patients with a history of cardiac conditions that confer a high risk of adverse outcomes from infective endocarditis may require prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection during surgery.
What is the relationship between surgical technique and the risk of infection?
Poor surgical technique, such as inadequate suturing or reconstruction, can significantly increase the risk of infection postoperatively.
What is the role of patient-dependent factors in determining the choice of anesthesia?
The choice of anesthesia is determined by patient-dependent factors, including medical history, the nature of the procedure, and the patient’s preferences.
What is the significance of a thorough history and physical examination prior to surgery?
A thorough history and physical examination are essential for identifying potential risks and complications that may arise during or after the surgical procedure.
What are the considerations for patients with inherited bleeding disorders undergoing surgery?
Patients with inherited bleeding disorders may require administration of clotting factors to manage their condition during surgery and minimize bleeding risks.