Table 2.

A comparison of the clinical questions and North American Spine Society (NASS) guidelines for antibiotics prophylaxis in spine surgery with corresponding ChatGPT model recommendations (GPT-3.5 & GPT-4.0)

Category	NASS question	NASS guidelines	GPT-3.5 recommendation	GPT-4.0 recommendation
Efficacy	For patients undergoing open spine surgery, does antibiotic prophylaxis result in decreased infection rates compared to patients who do not receive prophylaxis?	Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics are suggested to decrease infection rates in patients undergoing spine surgery. Grade of recommendation: B	The use of prophylactic antibiotics for patients undergoing open spine surgery has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) compared to patients who do not receive prophylaxis, and it is considered standard practice.	In summary, antibiotic prophylaxis is beneficial in reducing infection rates in patients undergoing open spine surgery.
		For a typical, uncomplicated lumbar laminotomy and discectomy, a single preoperative dose of antibiotics is suggested to decrease the risk of infection and/or discitis. Grade of recommendation: B
Efficacy	For patients undergoing open spine surgery without spinal implants, does antibiotic prophylaxis result in decreased infection rates compared to patients who do not receive prophylaxis?	Prophylactic antibiotics are suggested to decrease the rate of spinal infections following uninstrumented lumbar spinal surgery. Grade of recommendation: B	Evidence suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the risk of SSIs in patients undergoing open spine surgery without spinal implants. However, the use of antibiotics should be balanced against the risk of developing antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects associated with their use.	In summary, prophylactic antibiotics are indeed beneficial in reducing the rate of spinal infections after surgeries that do not involve the use of instruments in the lumbar region.
				These findings underscore the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing infection risks in open spine surgeries without implants, although more research is needed to determine the most
Efficacy	For patients undergoing open spine surgery with spinal implants, does antibiotic prophylaxis result in decreased infection rates as compared to patients who do not receive prophylaxis?	Prophylactic antibiotics may be considered to decrease the rate of infections following instrumented spine fusion. Grade of recommendation: C	Studies suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the incidence of SSIs in patients undergoing open spine surgery with spinal implants. The specific antibiotic regimen and duration of prophylaxis may vary based on several factors.	In summary, antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce infection rates in spine surgery, but the effectiveness can vary based on the type of surgery, the patient’s condition, and the duration of the antibiotic administration. It is important to consider the individual circumstances of each patient when determining the best prophylactic strategy.
Efficacy	What rate of SSIs can be expected with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, considering both patients with and patients without medical comorbidities?	Consensus statement: Despite appropriate prophylaxis, the rate of SSIs in spine surgery is 0.7%–10%. The expected rate for patients without comorbidities ranges from 0.7%–4.3% and for patients with comorbidities ranges from 2.0%–10%. Current best practice with antibiotic protocols has failed to eliminate (reach an infection rate of 0.0%) SSIs.	The rate of SSIs can vary depending on various factors such as the type of surgery, patient characteristics, and the quality of the surgical facility. Patients with comorbidities including diabetes, obesity, and immune deficiencies may be at a higher risk of developing SSIs. However, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of SSIs by as much as 60%–80%.	The rate of SSIs with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis varies depending on several factors, including wound class, the presence of comorbid conditions, the duration of the surgical procedure, the timing of antibiotic administration, and whether prophylaxis is used at all. In a study conducted at Dessie Referral Hospital, an overall SSI rate of 23.4% was observed among patients who underwent major surgery. It was noted that 48.6% of these cases involved inappropriate timing of prophylactic antibiotic administration, which is a significant factor associated with the risk of SSIs. For a more comprehensive understanding and additional data on this subject, further research from multiple sources would be needed to compare results across different patient populations and healthcare settings.
		Despite appropriate prophylaxis, diabetes carries an increased infection rate compared with non-diabetic patients. Level of evidence: III
		There is insufficient evidence to make a statement regarding the impact of obesity on the rate of surgical site infection in prophylaxed patients. Level of evidence: I (Insufficient)
Protocol	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery, what are the recommended drugs, their dosages, administration routes and timing resulting in decreased postoperative infection rates?	Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is suggested to decrease infection rates in patients undergoing spine surgery. In typical, uncomplicated spinal procedures, the superiority of one agent, dose or route of administration over any other has not been clearly demonstrated. When determining the appropriate drug choice, the patient’s risk factors, allergies, length and complexity of the procedure and issues of antibiotic resistance should be considered. Grade of recommendation: B	The choice of antibiotic prophylaxis for open spine surgery should be based on the specific needs of the patient and the potential risks of infection. However, here are some general recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery, but note that patient factors such as allergies, comorbidities, and previous infections should be considered when selecting appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis:	The guidelines from the NASS for antibiotic prophylaxis in spine surgery suggest the following:
				Preoperative Prophylaxis: A single preoperative dose of antibiotics is suggested to decrease infection rates in patients undergoing spine surgery, including both uninstrumented and instrumented spinal surgeries. The choice of antibiotic should consider the patient’s risk factors, allergies, the length and complexity of the surgery, and antibiotic resistance concerns.
		In typical, uncomplicated spinal procedures, a single dose of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics with intraoperative redosing as needed is suggested. Grade of recommendation: B	Cefazolin: Cefazolin is the most commonly used antibiotic for prophylaxis in spine surgery. The recommended dosage is 1–2 grams administered intravenously (IV) within 60 minutes prior to surgery.	Drug choice and administration: No specific agent, dose, or route of administration has been shown to be superior to others in uncomplicated cases. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be considered for patients with risk factors for polymicrobial infection.
		Consensus statement: In patients with comorbidities or for those undergoing complicated spine surgery, alternative prophylactic regimens including redosing, gram-negative coverage or the addition of intrawound application of vancomycin or gentamicin, are suggested to decrease the incidence of SSIs when compared to standard prophylaxis regimens.	Vancomycin: Vancomycin is an alternative to cefazolin in patients with a beta-lactam allergy or in areas with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The recommended dosage is 15–20 mg/kg administered IV within 60 minutes prior to surgery.	Redosing: Intraoperative redosing within 3 to 4 hours may be considered to maintain therapeutic antibiotic levels throughout the procedure.
		Consensus statement: Comorbidities and risk factors reviewed in the literature include obesity, diabetes, neurologic deficits, incontinence, preoperative serum glucose level of >125 mg/dL or a postoperative serum glucose level of >200 mg/dL, trauma and prolonged multilevel instrumented surgery. Olsen et al. (2003) [14] and Olsen et al. (2008) [15] are provided as support studies below to further define the risk factors associated with surgical site infection in spine surgery patients.	Clindamycin: Clindamycin is another alternative to cefazolin in patients with a beta-lactam allergy. The recommended dosage is 600–900 mg administered IV within 60 minutes prior to surgery. The timing of administration should be within 60 minutes prior to surgery to ensure adequate tissue levels at the time of incision. In addition, the duration of prophylaxis should not exceed 24 hours.	Postoperative discontinuation: For simple cases, a single preoperative dose with intraoperative redosing as needed is suggested. Prolonged regimens may be considered for complex cases or patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, or neuromuscular disease.
				It’s important for healthcare providers to tailor antibiotic prophylaxis to the individual patient and the specifics of the surgical procedure.
Protocol	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery without spinal implants, what are the recommended drugs, their dosages, administration routes and timing resulting in decreased postoperative infections rates?	Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is suggested to decrease infection rates in patients undergoing spine surgery without spinal implants. In these typical, uncomplicated spinal procedures, the superiority of one agent, dose or route of administration over any other has not been clearly demonstrated. When determining the appropriate drug choice, the patient’s risk factors, allergies, length and complexity of the procedure and issues of antibiotic resistance should be considered. Grade of recommendation: B	The choice of antibiotic prophylaxis for open spine surgery without spinal implants should be based on the most common pathogens in the surgical site and the patient’s individual risk factors. The following are the general recommendations:	For patients undergoing open spine surgery without spinal implants, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to decrease infection rates. The guidelines suggest that a single dose of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics, with intraoperative redosing as needed, is adequate for typical uncomplicated cases. Intraoperative redosing should be considered within 3 to 4 hours to maintain therapeutic levels throughout the procedure.
			Cefazolin is the recommended first-line antibiotic prophylaxis. It should be administered intravenously at a dose of 1–2 grams 30 minutes to 1 hour before surgery. The infusion should be completed within 1 hour.
			Vancomycin should be used if the patient has a known allergy to cephalosporins. Its dosage is 15 mg/kg, 1 hour before surgery.	The specific agent, dose, and route of administration have not shown any clear superiority over others. Therefore, it is suggested that the choice of antibiotic should be tailored to the patient’s risk factors, allergies, length and complexity of the procedure, and concerns about antibiotic resistance.
		In typical, uncomplicated open spine surgery without spinal implants, a single dose of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics with intraoperative redosing as needed is suggested. Grade of recommendation: B	For patients with beta-lactam allergy, clindamycin or aztreonam can be used as an alternative. Clindamycin should be administered intravenously at a dose of 600–900 mg and aztreonam at a dose of 1–2 grams 30 minutes to 1 hour before surgery.
Protocol	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery with spinal implants, what are the recommended drugs, their dosages, administration routes and timing resulting in decreased postoperative infections rates?	Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is suggested to decrease infection rates in patients undergoing spine surgery with spinal implants. In these complex spinal procedures, the superiority of one agent, dose or route of administration over any other has not been clearly demonstrated. When determining the appropriate drug choice, the patient’s risk factors, allergies, length and complexity of the procedure and issues of antibiotic resistance should be considered. Grade of recommendation: B	The choice of antibiotics, dosages, administration routes, and timing for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery with spinal implants can vary based on factors like the patient’s medical history, the type of surgical procedure, and the surgeon’s preference. General guidelines are:	Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to decrease infection rates in patients undergoing spine surgery with spinal implants. The North American Spine Society suggests:
				For simple, uncomplicated spine surgery without instrumentation or comorbidities: a single preoperative dose of the antibiotic of choice with intraoperative redosing as needed.
			Cefazolin (1–2 g IV) is a first-line antibiotic and should be administered within 60 minutes prior to incision.	For instrumented spine surgery, prolonged procedures, or patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, neuromuscular disease, spinal cord injury, or general spine trauma: a single preoperative dose of the antibiotic of choice is suggested with consideration for additional gram-negative coverage and/or the application of intrawound vancomycin or gentamicin.
		Consensus statement: In patients with risk factors for polymicrobial infection, appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics are suggested to decrease the risk of infection when instrumented fusion is performed.	Vancomycin (15–20 mg/kg IV) can be added for patients with a history of MRSA colonization, recent MRSA infection, or beta-lactam allergy. It should be administered within 2 hours prior to incision.	However, there is no clear superiority of one agent, dose, or route of administration over another, and the specific antibiotic choice should consider patient risk factors, allergies, procedure length and complexity, and antibiotic resistance issues.
Protocol	What is a reasonable algorithmic approach for antibiotic selection for a given patient?	Consensus statement: Simple uncomplicated spine surgery (without instrumentation or comorbidities) => one single preoperative dose of antibiotic of choice with intraoperative redosing as needed.	Antibiotic selection for a patient who just underwent spine surgery would depend on several factors. A general guide would be to (1) determine the patient’s risk factors for SSI; (2) determine the type of surgical procedure, which will dictate the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis; (3) choose an appropriate antibiotic regimen based on the most common organisms that cause SSIs in spinal surgeries, which are usually Gram-positive cocci; (4) consider additional risk factors, which may require a longer duration of prophylactic antibiotics; and (5) monitor for adverse effects and adjust therapy accordingly.	For a patient who has undergone spine surgery, the approach to antibiotic selection would be more specific due to the surgical context and the potential for different infecting organisms. Here’s an algorithmic approach tailored for such a scenario: (1) Determine the patient’s risk of infection post-surgery, (2) Administer prophylactic antibiotics prior to incision, (3) Note any unusual intraoperative findings that may necessitate a deviation from standard prophylaxis, (4) Continue prophylactic antibiotics for a short duration postoperatively, (5) Vigilantly monitor for signs of SSI during the postoperative period, (6) If infection is suspected, obtain cultures from the wound or any drainage, (7) If an infection is suspected, start empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics that cover skin flora and other common organisms associated with SSIs, (8) Once culture and sensitivity results are available, tailor the antibiotic therapy to the specific organisms isolated and their sensitivities, (9) Consider the ability of the antibiotic to penetrate bone and the surgical site, (10) Take into account patient-specific factors such as renal and hepatic function, (11) For confirmed SSIs, the duration of therapy can be quite prolonged, (12) Follow antibiotic stewardship principles to prevent resistance, (13) Consider involving an infectious disease specialist, (14) Regularly reassess the patient’s response to the antibiotic therapy, and (15) Plan for long-term follow-up.
		Consensus statement: Instrumented spine surgery, prolonged procedures, comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, neuromuscular disease, cord injury or general spine trauma) => one single preoperative dose of antibiotic of choice+consideration of additional gram-negative coverage and/or the application of intrawound vancomycin or gentamicin.		It’s important to note that these steps are generalized and may need to be adapted based on the patient’s individual circumstances and institutional protocols. Additionally, consultation with an infectious disease specialist is often beneficial in complex cases.
Redosing	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery, what are the intraoperative redosing recommendations for the recommended drugs (including dosages and time of administration) resulting in decreased postoperative infection rates?	Consensus statement: Intraoperative redosing within 3-4 hours may be considered to maintain therapeutic antibiotic levels throughout the procedure. The superiority of one drug has not been demonstrated in the literature. When determining the appropriate drug choice, the patient’s risk factors, allergies, length and complexity of the procedure and issues of antibiotic resistance should be considered.	Redosing should occur at regular intervals during the surgical procedure to ensure that adequate concentrations of the antibiotic are present in the body too. The recommended redosing guidelines for the most common antibiotics are:	For patients undergoing open spine surgery, intraoperative redosing of antibiotics is recommended to maintain therapeutic levels throughout the procedure. Redosing within 3 to 4 hours may be considered for this purpose. However, there is no consensus on the superiority of one drug over another. The choice of the antibiotic should take into account the patient’s risk factors, allergies, the length and complexity of the surgery, and antibiotic resistance issues.
			Cefazolin: 1–2 grams IV at the time of induction of anesthesia. For surgeries lasting longer than 4 hours, redose with 1 gram IV every 3–4 hours.
			Vancomycin: T 15–20 mg/kg IV at the time of induction of anesthesia. For surgeries lasting longer than 4 hours, redose with the same dose every 6 hours.	Furthermore, for patients with comorbidities or those undergoing complicated spine surgery, alternative prophylactic regimens are suggested to decrease the incidence of SSIs. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend specific alternative regimens, though promising alternatives include redosing, adding gramnegative coverage, and the intrawound application of vancomycin or gentamicin.
Discontinuation	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery, does discontinuation of prophylaxis at 24 hours result in decreased or increased postoperative infection rates as compared to longer periods of administration?	For typical, uncomplicated cases, a single dose of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics with intraoperative redosing as needed is suggested to decrease the risk of surgical site infection. Grade of recommendation: B	The available evidence suggests that discontinuing prophylaxis at 24 hours does not result in increased postoperative infection rates compared to longer durations of administration. However, the optimal duration of prophylaxis may vary depending on the specific patient population, surgical technique, and other factors.	The study I found reports that discontinuation of antibiotic prophylaxis at 24 hours postoperatively does not result in increased postoperative infection rates compared to longer periods of administration in open spine surgery. A propensity-matched analysis of 4,454 patients, with 2,672 receiving 24 hours of postoperative antibiotics, showed no significant difference in infection rates compared to patients who did not receive postoperative antibiotics. The rates were 1.8% for patients who received antibiotics and 1.5% for those who did not. Additionally, prolonged antibiotic use was not associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection or infections with multidrug-resistant organisms.
		Prolonged postoperative regimens may be considered in complex situations (i.e., trauma, cord injury, neuromuscular disease, diabetes or other comorbidities). Comorbidities and complex situations reviewed in the literature include obesity, diabetes, neurologic deficits, incontinence, preoperative serum glucose level of >125 mg/dL or a postoperative serum glucose level of >200 mg/dL, trauma, prolonged multilevel instrumented surgery and other comorbidities. Grade of recommendation: C		For a more comprehensive understanding, further research from multiple sources would be ideal to provide a thorough consensus on the topic.
Wound drains	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery and who receive placement of wound drains at wound closure, does discontinuation of prophylaxis at 24 hours result in decreased or increased postoperative infection rates as compared to discontinuation of antibiotics at time of drain removal?	There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against the early discontinuation of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with wound drains. Grade of recommendation: I (insufficient evidence)	The optimal duration of antibiotic prophylaxis for open spine surgery and the use of wound drains is still a matter of debate among medical professionals. However, some studies have suggested that there may be no significant difference in postoperative infection rates between patients who discontinue prophylaxis at 24 hours versus those who discontinue antibiotics at the time of drain removal.	The research regarding the discontinuation of antibiotic prophylaxis in open spine surgery for patients with wound drains varies. One propensity-matched analysis study found no significant difference in the rate of SSIs between patients who received 24 hours of postoperative antibiotics and those who did not. This study included a large sample size and controlled for confounding factors, suggesting that extended antibiotic use beyond 24 hours postoperatively does not decrease the risk of SSIs.
		The use of drains is not recommended as a means to reduce infection rates following single level surgical procedures. Grade of recommendation: I (insufficient evidence)		The NASS Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline on Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery provides recommendations based on the highest quality clinical literature available as of December 2006. The recommendations in this guideline, although not specifying the exact duration, aim to assist in delivering optimum treatment to prevent SSIs. The guideline itself does not detail the outcomes for discontinuing antibiotics at 24 hours versus at the time of drain removal, but it emphasizes the importance of evidence-based protocols.
				In summary, the available evidence suggests that there is no significant benefit in continuing antibiotic prophylaxis beyond 24 hours postoperatively, even when wound drains are in place. It is important to note that guidelines and recommendations can evolve, and practices may vary based on individual patient circumstances, the type of surgery performed, and institutional protocols.
Body habitus	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to spine surgery, should the recommended protocol differ based upon body habitus (e.g., body mass index)?	Obese patients are at higher risk for postoperative infection, when given a standardized dose of antibiotic prophylaxis. In spite of this conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against recommending a different protocol for patients based upon body habitus. Grade of recommendation: I (insufficient evidence)	There is currently limited evidence to suggest that the recommended antibiotic prophylaxis protocol should differ based on a patient’s body habitus, such as body mass index (BMI), prior to spine surgery. While some studies have suggested that higher doses of antibiotics may be necessary for patients with obesity or higher BMI due to altered pharmacokinetics, there is not enough evidence to support a different prophylaxis protocol based solely on BMI.	The protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis in spine surgery relative to a patient’s body habitus, specifically BMI, does merit consideration given that bodyweight and BMI have been correlated with higher rates of SSI in various surgical procedures. The NASS Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline on Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery provides a comprehensive overview, it does not explicitly mention adjustments for body habitus or BMI. A publication from SICOT-J indicates that while obese patients are at a higher risk for postoperative infection when given a standardized dose of antibiotic prophylaxis, there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against recommending a different protocol for patients based upon body habitus. This conclusion suggests that while the issue is recognized, the evidence at the time of that publication was not strong enough to inform a change in protocol.
				In summary, while there is recognition that obese patients may have a higher risk for infection with standardized dosing, the guidelines are not universally adjusted for BMI due to varying levels of evidence. Nonetheless, some studies support the idea of adjusting doses based on bodyweight to reduce the risk of SSIs.
Comorbidities	For patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery, do comorbidities (other than obesity) such as diabetes, smoking, nutritional depletion, immunodeficiencies and concurrent use of antithrombotic therapies alter the recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis?	Consensus statement: In patients with comorbidities or for those undergoing complicated spine surgery, alternative prophylactic regimens are suggested to decrease the incidence of SSIs when compared to standard prophylaxis regimens.	Comorbidities such as diabetes, smoking, nutritional depletion, immunodeficiencies, and concurrent use of antithrombotic therapies can alter the recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients receiving prophylaxis prior to open spine surgery. In cases of patients with these comorbidities, it may be necessary to extend the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, delay the initiation of prophylaxis, or adjust the dose of the prophylaxis.	The NASS Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery, while comprehensive in addressing efficacy and appropriateness of antibiotic prophylaxis protocols, repeat dosing, discontinuation, wound drains, and special considerations including comorbidities, does not appear to provide specific differentiated recommendations for patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, smoking, nutritional depletion, immunodeficiencies, and concurrent use of antithrombotic therapies directly in the summary accessible through PubMed.
		There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against the specific alternative regimens that are efficacious. However, promising alternative regimens that have been studied include redosing, gram-negative coverage and the addition of intrawound application of vancomycin or gentamicin. Grade of Recommendation: I (insufficient evidence)
Comorbidities	For patients with a history of MRSA infection, does prophylaxis with vancomycin reduce infections with MRSA compared to other antimicrobial agents?	There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against the prophylactic use of vancomycin compared with other antimicrobial agents to reduce infections with MRSA. Grade of recommendation: I (insufficient evidence)	The effectiveness of vancomycin compared to other antimicrobial agents in reducing MRSA infections in spinal surgery is not clear. Some studies suggest that vancomycin may be effective in preventing MRSA infections in spinal surgery for patients with a history of MRSA infection, but others have found no significant difference between vancomycin and other antibiotics.	The study from PubMed suggests that a quality improvement protocol that includes MRSA screening and decolonization in patients undergoing lumbar fusion and/or decompression surgery significantly reduces the rate of postoperative infections, including MRSA and MSSA infections. Significant predictors of infection post-surgery were younger age, male sex, diabetic status, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification grades, and undergoing spinal fusion. For a comprehensive understanding, further research from multiple sources would be necessary to compare the effectiveness of vancomycin to other antimicrobial agents specifically in spine surgery settings.
Complications	What are the incidence and severity of complications/adverse events resulting from the use of prophylactic antibiotics?	Consensus statement: Reported isolated complications related to prophylactic antibiotics include flushing, hypotension, rashes, intramembranous colitis and, most seriously, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.	The incidence and severity of complications/adverse events resulting from the use of prophylactic antibiotics may include allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, superinfections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, other gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and other side effects.	The use of prophylactic antibiotics can lead to complications such as higher incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, especially with prolonged use, and the development of resistant or gram-negative bacteria. The benefits of antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery are mostly limited to the first 24 hours postoperatively, with potential harms like surgical site infection, acute kidney injury, and C. difficile infection associated with longer durations of use. Continuous prophylaxis can reduce urinary tract infection frequency but raises concerns about increased bacterial resistance. Serious complications, like anaphylaxis, are rare but can occur, as with cephalosporins which have a reported incidence of one per thousand. In general, prophylactic antibiotics are effective in reducing the incidence of certain infections, but careful consideration is needed due to the risk of severe adverse events and antibiotic resistance.
Complications	What strategies can be implemented to minimize complications/adverse events resulting from the use of prophylactic antibiotics in spine surgery?	Consensus statement: In typical, uncomplicated spinal procedures, a single dose of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics with intraoperative redosing as needed is suggested to reduce the risk of complications/adverse events.	The use of prophylactic antibiotics in spine surgery carries the risk of adverse events, such as allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance. Some strategies that can minimize adverse events include selecting antibiotics based on patient risk factors, proper timing of administration, limiting the duration of prophylaxis to the perioperative period, monitoring the patient’s response, considering relevant patient factors, allergy testing, and educating medical practitioners on appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics.	Minimizing complications from prophylactic antibiotics in spine surgery involves a few evidence-based strategies: Duration of Antibiotics: A study indicated that there was no significant difference in the rate of SSIs between patients who received 24 hours of postoperative antibiotics and those who did not. This suggests that extending prophylactic antibiotic use beyond the immediate preoperative period may not be necessary and could avoid potential risks like antibiotic-resistant infections and C. difficile infections. Evidence-Based Guidelines: The NASS clinical guideline for the use of prophylactic antibiotics in spine surgery, which is based on high-quality clinical literature, provides recommendations on antibiotic protocols, dosing, and special considerations related to comorbidities to prevent SSIs. These strategies are part of a broader approach that includes optimizing surgical techniques, maintaining sterile environments, and utilizing targeted antibiotics based on the surgery type and patient-specific factors. The complete set of recommendations and evidence can be found in the full guideline documents provided by NASS on their website.
		Reported isolated complications/adverse events related to prophylactic antibiotics are discussed in the previous section and include: flushing, hypotension, rashes, intramembranous colitis and, most seriously, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

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