Prospective observational study on utilization pattern of antibiotics in post operative patients admitted in surgical departments

Background: Antibiotics play an essential role in preventing and treating post-operative infections; however, their misuse is a major contributor to AMR. Understanding patterns of antibiotic use during post-operative care is essential for maximizing patient safety and good prescribing practices. The study examines the antibiotic utilization pattern in post-operative patients concerning prescriptions trends, guidelines adherence, and potential risks for AMR. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months at Siddaganga Hospital, including patients who underwent surgery. Patient demographics, medical history, laboratory findings, and antibiotic prescriptions were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze frequency, class, route of administration, and WHO-AWaRe classification of antibiotics. Results: Cephalosporins were the most prescribed antibiotic class, with Cefoperazone + Sulbactam (76 cases) and Ceftriaxone (36 cases) being the most commonly used drugs. Watch group antibiotics (169 cases) were used more frequently than Access group antibiotics (80 cases), highlighting a higher AMR risk. Intravenous administration (143 cases) was preferred, and broad-spectrum antibiotics (218 cases) dominated over narrow-spectrum agents (33 cases). Conclusion: This study highlights the extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in surgical care, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Emphasizing the need for antibiotic stewardship, it advocates for a strategic shift toward narrow-spectrum agents, optimized dosing, and early oral transition to balance effective infection control with longterm antibiotic efficacy. Keywords: Antibiotic utilization, Post-operative infections, Antimicrobial resistance, WHO-AWaRe classification, Cephalosporins, Antimicrobial stewardship