ANTIBACTERIAL PROPHYLAXIS IN UROLOGY - A REVIEW

The role of antibacterial prophylaxis in urology has been debated for more than 50 years. Even though controversy remains, an increasing number of physicians now support the use of prophylactic antibacterial agents in urologic surgery. This review attempts to place in perspective the value of prophylaxis for various urologic procedures in which infection is likely to occur. Prophylactic antibacterial therapy is recommended for urethral catheterization, endoscopy of the urinary tract, prostate biopsy, transurethral surgery, and selected open urologic procedures. Broad-spectrum cephalosporins and penicillins are used most often, while fluoroquinolones are being evaluated with increasing frequency.