[Antibacterial chemotherapy in the surgical intensive care unit]

Nosocomial infections are among the most serious complications encountered in surgical intensive care. The most sufficient antibacterial chemotherapy of these infections is generally based on basic and empiric principles. This includes a correct decision as to the necessity for chemotherapy and the appropriate establishment of dosage, treatment duration, drug monitoring and efficacy control. Several antibiotic regimes for the treatment of the most common nosocomial infections, i.e. pneumonia, peritonitis and sepsis, are discussed.