Effect of different surveillance methods on statistics of postoperative wound infections

In two series of clean orthopaedic operations we studied how the rates of postoperative wound infections (PWIs) were influenced by four different surveillance methods. These methods are described and their results discussed. Patients in one series were treated without any collaboration with the Department of Infectious Diseases, whereas in the other patients were isolated and treated in that Department. A prospective 30-day follow-up revealed rates of postoperative wound infection of 3.8% and 2.7% in the two series, respectively.