Antibiotic Utilization Patterns In Surgical Patients At A Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Study

Background: Antibiotics have significantly improved outcomes in surgical care, yet their overuse poses challenges such as antibiotic resistance and increased healthcare costs. Effective antibiotic stewardship, particularly in surgical settings, is crucial for optimizing outcomes and reducing resistance. This study aims to evaluate antibiotic utilization patterns and adherence to prophylactic guidelines at a tertiary care hospital. Objectives: The primary objective was to prospectively study antibiotic utilization in surgery at a tertiary care hospital. Secondary objectives included assessing the prescribing patterns of antibiotic prophylaxis and analyzing the duration of antibiotic use. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted in the inpatient department at Tertiary care Hospital. Data sources included inpatient case sheets, medication charts, nurse and physician notes, laboratory investigation charts, and patient interviews. Inclusion criteria encompassed all in patients undergoing surgery, while those with viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, pregnant women, outpatients, and patients not receiving antibiotics were excluded. Results: The study involved 70 patients, predominantly male (74.25%), with a mean age of 50.23 years. Antibiotics were administered intravenously in 99.31% of cases, with Metronidazole (37.24%) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (22.75%) being the most commonly prescribed. The typical duration of antibiotic therapy was 5-6 days. The chi-square test revealed no significant association between gender and antibiotic usage (p=0.690). Beta-lactams were the most frequently used class, reflecting a reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant reliance on intravenous and broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly Beta-lactams, in surgical settings at a tertiary care hospital. The predominance of antibiotics like Metronidazole and Piperacillin/Tazobactam, coupled with the typical therapy duration of 5-6 days, highlights the critical need for optimized antibiotic stewardship. The lack of a significant association between gender and antibiotic use suggests that the observed patterns are broadly applicable. Addressing these practices through targeted interventions and adherence to guidelines is essential for improving patient outcomes, reducing antibiotic resistance, and managing healthcare costs effectively. This research contributes valuable insights for refining antibiotic protocols and reinforces the global need for robust stewardship programs to sustain effective infection control and enhance overall healthcare quality.