Etiologic factors in head and neck wound infections

The use of antibiotic prophylaxis does not prevent all postoperative wound infections. The records of 245 patients undergoing major head and neck surgery were reviewed to determine the cause of wound infection which developed in 17 patients. Patients with Stage IV tumors had an increased infection rate as compared to lesser stages (p less than .01). Reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap was associated with an increased infection rate when compared to primary closure or split-thickness skin graft reconstruction (p less than .001). Probable errors in surgical technique were identified in 10 of 17 infected patients. Neither weight loss, diabetes mellitus, prior radiation therapy, nor prior tracheotomy were found to increase the risk of wound infection (p greater than .05). This study lends insight into factors that may potentiate the development of wound infection despite antibiotic prophylaxis. A strategy to minimize postoperative infection is offered.