“DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN OF ANALGESICS AND ANTIBIOTICS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR”
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Keywords
Inguinal hernia repair, analgesics, antibiotics, drug utilization, perioperative care
Abstract
Elective inguinal hernia repair is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Appropriate analgesia and prophylactic antibiotic administration are critical for optimal postoperative outcomes. However, variability exists in the utilization patterns of analgesics and antibiotics in perioperative care.
Objective: To evaluate the utilization patterns of analgesic and antibiotic medications in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair and assess adherence to established guidelines.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in 2018. Adult patients (n=150) scheduled for elective inguinal hernia repair were included. Analgesic and antibiotic prescription data were collected perioperatively. Utilization patterns were analyzed against standard prescribing guidelines.
Results: Of 150 patients, 142 (94.7%) received pre-emptive analgesics, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constituting 68% of prescriptions, and opioids used in 18%. Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered in 138 patients (92%), primarily a first-generation cephalosporin (cefazolin; 74%). Mean postoperative pain scores were lower in patients receiving multimodal analgesia compared to single-agent therapy (p<0.05). No significant difference in surgical site infection (SSI) rates was observed between guideline-adherent and non-adherent antibiotic use (p=0.12).
Conclusion: Analgesic and antibiotic utilization patterns showed high adherence to recommended practices, with prevalent use of NSAIDs and cefazolin for prophylaxis. Multimodal pain regimens correlated with improved pain scores. Continued efforts to standardize perioperative prescribing are warranted.
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Dr Kishor D Wani
MBBS MS Surgery, Associate professor, Department of Surgery, Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College Hospital & Research Centre Nashik
