International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
Editorial
17th Volume (1) – Jan/Feb/Mar - 2013
Dear Colleagues:
First of all, on behalf of the entire Editorial Board of the International Archives
of Otorhinolaryngology, I would like to wish you all a new year of accomplishments,
peace, health, and joy.
Postoperative surgical site infection remains a major challenge for surgeons and health
professionals in general. In the arsenal of measures taken to reduce the rates of
infection, the use of prophylactic antibiotics plays a fundamental role. Of the historical
events of our specialty, probably, one of the most striking was the emergence of antimicrobial
agents for clinical use. The prophylactic antibiotics used in the field of surgery
have undergone major changes in recent decades, owing to the entry of modern antimicrobials
every year and the continuous development of new resistant bacterial strains.
The evidence established in the literature over the years corroborates the knowledge
about the rational use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Inappropriate prescribing of prophylactic
antibiotics may result in deleterious effects such as adverse reactions and development
of bacterial resistance as well as additional cost to the patient.
In this issue, we present a systematic review to support a consistent use of antibiotic
prophylaxis after ENT surgeries. This update is an opportunity to expand and review
the evidence-based recommendations regarding antimicrobial agents. It is important
to emphasize that surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an adjunct to an adequate surgical
procedure, not a substitute for it.
In 2013, the International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology will continue to honor
the 3 best systematic review (meta-analysis) papers published during the year in the
journal; the papers will be selected on the bases of novelty, impact, data quality,
and number of online downloads by our readers. All authors and co-authors of the 3
selected manuscripts will receive certificates of award, while the first authors will
receive $1,000 each.
We would be pleased to consider contributions from you in the future.
Best regards.
Aline Gomes Bittencourt, M.D.
Co-Editor
International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
