Re: Antibiotics for minor procedures?

[Melisa-E]

Posted By Melissa E. on August 04, 1999 at 12:16:17
Sorry if I ask my question again but it wasn't answered and I really need to know.  I have myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve with  prolapse  and  mild regurgitation. Please tell me whether antibiotics are necessary for a mole removal or a needle breast cyst aspiration. I have to undergo both procedures. Thank you.
Melissa E.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 04, 1999 at 14:23:17
Dear Melissa
Yes, I would favor their use.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[Melisa-E]

Posted By Melissa E. on August 04, 1999 at 17:43:01
Now I wonder if antibiotics are necessary even for a Pap test!! What about yeast infections and antibiotic resistance with their such frequent use? What are we to do? I can't be taking antibiotics for a dental cleaning, then some months later for a pap test, then for the breast procedure. I usually have to undergo these 3 things every 6 months!  Thanks for listening. As a newly diagnosed MVP patient, many questions arise.
Melissa E.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 04, 1999 at 17:59:47
Dear Melissa
No, you do not need antibiotics for a Pap smear. In general, antibiotics are recommended before any procedure that may involve bleeding and introduction of bacteria into the blood stream. However, in many instances, the scientific basis for this longstanding practice is not very sound. Brushing your teeth or having a bowel movement can actually cause a transient entry of bacteria into the blood stream. As a precaution, it is probably best for patients with significant valvular heart disease to take antibiotics before certain invasive procedures.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[Ed__0]

Posted By Ed on August 06, 1999 at 01:56:00
As a patient with severe mitral regurgitation, I understand that I am at risk for endocarditis and therefore should take antibiotics prior to dental procedures.  Are the endocarditis bacteria found mainly in dental and medical offices, clinics, and hospitals?  Are they transmitted mainly from patient to patient?  Via poorly sterilized instruments?  or otherwise?
Do I need to be concerned about cutting my finger on a paper in my ofice, or on a thorn in my garden?










Follow Ups:


Re: Antibiotics for minor procedures? CCF CARDIO MD - DLB 8/06/1999
(0)