Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic prophylaxis practices of otorhinolaryngologists in Türkiye in different surgical operations and to assess the correlation between these approaches and the type of institution, title, professional experience, and beliefs about prophylaxis.
Patients and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, and observational study between July 2025 and December 2025. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of 29 questions inquiring about demographic information, preferences for prophylaxis application in various surgical procedures, antibiotic selection, duration of use, and institutional protocols. Categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages, and intergroup comparisons were made using the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test.
Results: A total of 129 otorhinolaryngologists participated in the study. 40.3% of the participants worked in training and research hospitals, and 27.1% worked in university hospitals. Cefazolin was the most frequently preferred antibiotic during the preoperative (61.3%) and intraoperative (68.6%) periods, while amoxicillin-clavulanate was the most frequently preferred antibiotic in the postoperative period (37.5%). Postoperative antibiotic use was frequently prolonged, with 53.7% stating that they continued prophylaxis for 6-7 days. A significant difference was observed between preoperative (p = 0.008) and postoperative (p = 0.003) antibiotic preferences according to institution. Differences according to title (p = 0.003) and professional experience (p = 0.002) were only found in the preoperative period. There was no significant relationship between the presence of a written prophylaxis protocol and antibiotic preferences.
Conclusion: In Türkiye, antibiotic prophylaxis practices in otorhinolaryngology can vary depending on the type of disease, institutional
characteristics, and physician experience. The frequent and prolonged use of postoperative antibiotics suggests a significant discrepancy
between current guideline recommendations and clinical practices.

Citation: Tetik F. Antibiotic prophylaxis practices in otorhinolaryngology: A National Cross-Sectional Survey from Türkiye. Praxis Otorhinolaryngol 2026;14(3):135-150. https://doi.org/10.5606/kbbu.2026.44.