[Contamination of surgical wounds in the maxillofacial region with microoranisms]

The analysis of 226 wound smears were statistically evaluated. Smears were taken immediately after beginning surgery (105) and during the course of the operation, usually toward the end (121). No bacteria were identified at the beginning of the operation in 11.6% of the smears; 8.6% of the smears taken toward the end of the operative procedure showed no bacteria. Microorganisms usually found in the buccal cavity were identified in approximately two thirds of the wounds. Every third or fourth wound contained facultative pathogenic bacteria at the beginning of the operation. The necessity of antimicrobial measures was discussed.