Risks of preventative antibiotics for surgery
Doctors across the UK routinely give patients antibiotics just before surgery to help prevent wound infections. While this has been standard practice for decades, modern surgical techniques have improved, and we now know antibiotics can also cause harm, such as kidney problems or allergic reactions. In addition, many people are labelled as allergic to certain antibiotics when they might not be, meaning they receive second-choice drugs that may be less effective. This study monitors adults undergoing common operations, such as hip or knee replacements, bowel surgery, or caesarean sections. Researchers are collecting information on the antibiotics patients receive, any side effects they experience, and whether they develop an infection. Because this is an observational study, your normal surgical care will not change. The findings will help NHS doctors use antibiotics more safely in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Around one in twenty patients develop a wound infection after surgery. To prevent this, NHS hospitals give around seven million doses of preventative antibiotics every year. However, much of the research supporting this practice was done decades ago, before modern surgical and hygiene standards were introduced. Today, we need clearer evidence on whether giving antibiotics before every operation still provides more benefit than harm.
At the same time, around one in fifty surgical patients experience an unwanted reaction to antibiotics, ranging from mild stomach upsets to kidney strain, hearing issues, or serious allergic reactions. Many people also carry an 'allergy label' on their medical records. Often, these labels are inaccurate, leading doctors to choose alternative antibiotics that may carry a higher risk of side effects or be less effective at stopping infections. Overusing antibiotics also encourages bacteria to become resistant, making future infections harder to treat.
This study, run from Barts Health NHS Trust, aims to understand these issues better. Researchers are tracking patients having common operations to measure the real-world rates of wound infections and antibiotic complications. By gathering this evidence, the team hopes to give doctors clearer guidance on who truly needs preventative antibiotics and how to avoid giving them unnecessarily.
Key takeaways
- Looks at the real-world benefits and risks of preventative antibiotics given before surgery.
- Observational study only, meaning your planned medical care and treatment will not change.
- Open to adults having certain common procedures, including joint replacements and caesarean sections.
- Excludes anyone who has taken antibiotics in the two weeks before their operation.
- Aims to help NHS doctors prescribe antibiotics more safely and reduce unwanted side effects.
Who may be eligible?
You may be eligible for this study if you are aged 18 or older and are scheduled for one of several specific operations. These include a first-time hip or knee replacement, surgery to fix a broken arm or leg bone, bowel surgery, bladder or prostate surgery, a caesarean section, or a hysterectomy.
You cannot take part if you have taken any antibiotics in the two weeks leading up to your operation, or if you have already taken part in this study during an earlier hospital stay.
You can take part whether or not you have a recorded antibiotic allergy. Because this study focuses on everyday hospital care, patients having both planned and urgent operations may be invited to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I am having one of the listed surgeries (such as a hip/knee replacement, bone fracture repair, bowel surgery, or C-section).
- I have not taken any antibiotics in the last two weeks.
- I have not previously taken part in this specific study.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study will not change your medical treatment or your operation in any way. Because this is an observational study, the research team simply collects information from your routine hospital records. They will note which antibiotics you receive, whether you develop any side effects, and if your wound heals cleanly without infection.
You will not need to take any experimental drugs, give extra blood samples, or attend any additional hospital appointments. All information is gathered during your standard hospital stay and routine post-surgery checks. The study runs until September 2024.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Barts Health NHS TrustCity onlyLondon, England
- St James University HospitalApproximateLeeds, England
Common questions
Will taking part change the care or medicine I receive?
No. Your surgical team will make all decisions about your antibiotics and treatment as normal. The researchers only record what happens.
Do I have to attend extra hospital visits?
No. All information is gathered from your standard medical notes during your planned hospital stay and routine follow-up care.
Can I take part if I have an antibiotic allergy?
Yes. Researchers are particularly interested in how allergy labels affect the choice of antibiotics and patient recovery.
Will my personal details be kept safe?
Yes. All data is handled in strict confidence according to NHS data protection laws and ethical standards.
Does it cost anything to join?
No. There are no costs involved, and because no extra visits are needed, no travel expenses are required.
How to find out more
Tom Abbott
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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