Attitudes on Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Dermatologic Surgery: A Survey Study of American College of Mohs Surgery Members

Abstract

BACKGROUNDAntibiotic prescriptions associated with dermatologic surgical visits are increasing and prescribing practices vary among surgeons.OBJECTIVETo describe dermatologic surgeons' attitudes and practices regarding prophylactic antibiotic use for surgical site infection (SSI), to compare current prescribing practices to those of a 2012 survey, and to determine surgeons' interest in clinical trial data on the utility of prophylactic antibiotics.MATERIALS AND METHODSThis was a cross-sectional online survey of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) members. Survey items were adapted from a 2012 survey of ACMS members.RESULTSThe survey was initiated by 101 ACMS members. 75.25% (76/101) of surgeons reported routinely prescribing prophylactic antibiotics to reduce SSI risk. The use of prophylactic antibiotics varied with clinical scenario. Most providers (84.21%, 64/76) prescribe postoperative antibiotics, with an average course of 6.56 days. 40.21% (39/97) of respondents were uncertain if prophylaxis prevents SSI, and up to 90.63% (87/96) indicated interest in clinical trial data evaluating the efficacy of oral antibiotics for SSI prevention.CONCLUSIONDermatologic surgeons continue to report varied attitudes and practices for SSI prophylaxis. Evidence from clinical trials is desired by surgeons to guide clinical practice.