Editorial

Abstract

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.