Clindamycin and postoperative infections: towards more effective prophylaxis?

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a common complication in minor surgeries, significantly impacting patient recovery. In the context of rising antibiotic resistance, exploring innovative prophylactic approaches, such as the use of clindamycin, is becoming increasingly crucial.

This study examines the effectiveness of clindamycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, in reducing bacterial load as a prophylactic measure to prevent SSIs.

Towards more targeted prophylaxis for surgical site infections?

A sample of patients undergoing minor surgery was included in the study and divided into two groups:

• A group receiving antibiotic prophylaxis with clindamycin.
• A group following standard care practices without antibiotics.

The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by evaluating the following outcome variables: bacterial load in tissues, SSI incidence, tolerance profile, and adverse effects related to the antibiotic.

The research first demonstrates that clindamycin significantly reduces bacterial load, particularly in high-risk patients (advanced age, complex wounds, or specific anatomical locations). However, while this reduction is statistically significant, data on its clinical impact on SSI prevention remain mixed. Finally, clindamycin's tolerance profile is favorable, with adverse effect rates similar to those of placebo.

Clindamycin: a promising tool in postoperative infection prevention

The results of this study highlight clindamycin's efficacy in significantly reducing bacterial load, a key factor in preventing SSIs. This reduction is especially relevant for high-risk patients. Although these findings are encouraging, they emphasize the importance of precisely targeting antibiotic treatment indications to maximize benefits while minimizing the risks associated with bacterial resistance.