Principles of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Urology: Why, When and How

In the modern era of urological surgery, antibiotic prophylaxis is extensively used to avoid postoperative infectious complications. Although antibiotics are essential for preventing and treating severe infections, they have side effects both on a patient level and a society level. Injudicious use can shorten the period when an antibiotic is effective. Increasing antimicrobial resistance has become a global challenge forcing doctors to raise awareness of antibiotic stewardship. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of high-level research evidence to support current practice in the field of antibiotic prophylaxis, and more studies are needed. Traditional principles of surgical hygiene should be considered in prophylactic policies. Understanding the concepts of surgical contamination categories, knowledge about patient-related risk factors, and local antimicrobial resistance patterns will facilitate a more tailored approach to the questions of why, when, and how to use antibiotic prophylaxis.