[Post-discharge surgical wound infection: what is to be done?]

Infection of the laparotomy wound cannot always be prevented--for a variety of reasons including patient-related, disease-related and surgery-related factors. Of importance is the early detection of a wound infection--with confirmation or exclusion of underlying pathology (e.g. anastomotic leakage)--before sepsis develops. As a rule, a laparotomy wound infection can be adequately controlled by re-opening, debridement and moist management. Innovative dressing techniques involving vacuum sealing and suction accelerate healing.