A Narrative Review on Preoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis Combined with Enhanced Sterile Processing Workflows for Surgical Site Infection Prevention
Abstract
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a leading cause of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs, despite being largely preventable. Two cornerstone strategies for SSI prevention are the timely administration of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) and the rigorous sterile processing of surgical instruments. However, persistent gaps in compliance with optimal PAP protocols and lapses in sterile processing workflows (SPW) continue to challenge patient safety.
Aim: This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the synergistic impact of combining optimized PAP protocols with enhanced, standardized sterile processing workflows to reduce SSI rates across surgical specialties.
Methods: A literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines published between 2012-2025 were analyzed to examine the individual and combined efficacy of these interventions, along with key implementation strategies.
Results: Guideline-concordant PAP and technologically advanced SPWs independently reduce SSI risk. Their integration creates a potent, multi-layered defense, yielding superior outcomes. Successful implementation depends on standardized protocols, multidisciplinary collaboration (surgery, anesthesia, nursing, sterile processing), continuous education, and auditing technologies.
Conclusion: The interdependent combination of meticulous PAP and robust SPWs is a highly effective strategy. Sustaining success requires technological integration, bundled quality initiatives, and cultivating a pervasive, shared safety culture across the entire perioperative continuum.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdulhadi Eid Salem Alalwani, Abdullah Eid Salem Alalwani, Hamoud Tunaydhib Awad Aljohani, Abdullah Hamad Sleem Alarawi, Yaser Abdulhadi Alhazmi, Rakan Abdullah Saleh Alfawzan, Hani Salamah Faris Alsharif, Majed Hamad Alsaleemi, Abdullah Alitha Al-Hajili, Mohammed Faisal Al-Obaidan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.