Mycotic wound infections. A new challenge of the surgeon

Fungal wound infections have become more common because of the increased use of immunosuppressive and antineoplastic agents, prosthetic devices and grafts, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and hyperalimentation. Severe burns, renal failure, and other debilitating conditions also predispose to invasive mycoses. An aggressive diagnostic approach is particularly important, and tissue biopsy specimens are often necessary to establish a diagnosis. Meticulous surgical technique and minimization of the predisposing factors are crucial in the prevention of these infections, and prophylactic antimycotic agents may be of value in selected high-risk patients. Some mycotic wound infections can be managed effectively without systemic therapy; but when systemic agents are needed, combination antifungal therapy may provide improved results without increased drug toxicity.