Duration of therapy after valve surgery for infective endocarditis

A sample of valve tissue should be taken for culture at the time of valve surgery for endocarditis.

If the results of valve culture are negative, give postoperative antibiotics to complete the recommended duration of therapy for the type of endocarditis, or for at least a further 2 weeks, whichever is longer. If in doubt, seek expert advice.

If the results of valve culture are positive (or if culture was not obtained), give postoperative antibiotic treatment for 4 to 6 weeks.

A longer treatment course is required if there is evidence of extracardiac infection, including septic emboli – seek expert advice.