A systematic review of antibiotic use and infection in breast reconstruction: What is the evidence? Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Jan 2013, Vol. 131(1), p.1-13.
Phillips, B.T., et al.
http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2013/01000/A_Systematic_Review_of_Antibiotic_Use_and.1.aspx
The literature reports overall complication rates in breast reconstruction to be as high as 60 percent. Infection rates can exceed 20 percent, much higher than anticipated in clean elective surgery. There is no consensus among surgeons regarding the necessary duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest only 24 hours. This systematic review examines antibiotic regimens and associated infection rates in breast reconstruction.
