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Data from: Reappraisal of previously reported meta-analyses on antibiotic prophylaxis for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an overview of systematic reviews

Cite this dataset

Matsui, Yoichi et al. (2018). Data from: Reappraisal of previously reported meta-analyses on antibiotic prophylaxis for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an overview of systematic reviews [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.83bs4jd

Abstract

Introduction: Many researchers have addressed over-dosage and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Many meta-analyses have investigated antibiotic prophylaxis for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the aim of reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Most of these meta-analyses have concluded that prophylactic antibiotics are not required for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomies. This study aimed to assess the validity of this conclusion by systematically reviewing these meta-analyses. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken. Searches were limited to meta-analyses and systematic reviews. PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched from inception until March 2016 using the following keyword combinations: “antibiotic prophylaxis”, “laparoscopic cholecystectomy”, and “systematic review or meta-analysis”. Two independent reviewers selected meta-analyses or systematic reviews evaluating prophylactic antibiotics for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzed in these meta-analyses were also reviewed. Results: Seven meta-analyses regarding prophylactic antibiotics for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy that had examined a total of 28 RCTs were included. Reviewing of these meta-analyses revealed 48 miscounts of the number of outcomes. Six RCTs were inappropriate for the meta-analyses; one targeted patients with acute cholecystitis, another measured inappropriate outcomes, the original source of a third was not found, and the study protocols of the remaining three were not appropriate for the meta-analyses. After correcting the above miscounts and excluding the six inappropriate RCTs, pooled risk ratios were recalculated. These showed that, contrary to what had previously been concluded, antibiotics significantly reduced the risk of postoperative infections. The rates of surgical site, distant, and overall infections were all significantly reduced by antibiotic administration (risk ratio [95% confidence interval]; 0.71 [0.51–0.99], 0.37 [0.19–0.73], 0.50 [0.34–0.75], respectively). Conclusions: Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the incidence of postoperative infections after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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Funding

National Science Foundation, Award: N/A