Explain Prophylaxis with antimicrobial

Prophylaxis with antimicrobials has decreased the incidence of surgical site infection after head and neck operations that involve an incision through the oral or pharyngeal mucosa. One study in 74 patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer who received clindamycin beginning immediately preoperatively found no difference in infectious complications between continuing the drug for 24 hours (3 doses) or 5 days (15 doses); unfortunately, there was no single-dose group.