For a scheduled elective cesarean section, what is the recommended timing of prophylactic antibiotics to minimise surgical site infection?

• A On call to theatre, meaning any time during transport to the operating room
• B Immediately after umbilical cord clamping only
• C Within 6 hours after completion of surgery
• D Within 60 minutes before skin incision ✓

Explanation

Current evidence supports administering prophylactic antibiotics, typically a single dose of first-generation cephalosporin, within 60 minutes before skin incision. This reduces endometritis, wound infection and febrile morbidity compared with the older practice of waiting until cord clamping, without increasing adverse neonatal outcomes. Postoperative administration misses the critical window of tissue levels at the time of incision. Cord clamping was traditional practice to avoid exposing the neonate, but large trials showed preincision dosing is superior and safe.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.