Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Surgical site infections (SSIs) complicate approximately 2% of surgical procedures, prolong the length of hospitalization, and increase the risk of death. Prevention of SSIs should be a priority for children’s hospitals and surgical centers. Active surveillance targeting high-risk, high-volume procedures should be in place and requires education of surgeons and perioperative personnel, technological infrastructure, and use of a multidisciplinary team of trained personnel who are knowledgeable regarding SSI criteria. Institutions should monitor compliance with basic process measures and provide regular feedback to surgical personnel and hospital leadership.

Prevention of postoperative wound infections through perioperative prophylaxis is recommended for procedures with...