Controlling operating room-related infection in cancer patients

This paper outlines the program for controlling surgical infections in one cancer research hospital dealing with a unique group of patients. Control must -begin before the patient comes to the surgical suite and must continue when the patient returns to the nursing unit. These patients are often elderly, debilitated, and receiving anti-cancer chemotherapy, and they undergo lengthy massive resections often requiring several procedures. Some of the guidelines that we have evolved over a long period may be helpful in stimulating others to establish, implement, or improve similar programs in their own units. It is obvious that any such programs will have to be tailored to meet the demands and personnel of each institution. The important thing is that each surgical department must work toward the goal of keeping postoperative mosocomial infection at the lowest possible rate.