Reduction of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Elective Pediatric Cholecystectomy: A QI Initiative to Promote Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antibiotic prophylaxis minimizes the risk of infection, but overtreatment leads to antimicrobial resistance. Adult studies suggest antibiotic prophylaxis for elective cholecystectomy may not be needed. Our quality improvement project aimed to decrease prophylactic antibiotic use for elective cholecystectomies from 100% to ≤ 50% and maintain that rate for one year.