Infected prosthetic grafts. Local therapy with graft preservation

Three cases of infected vascular prosthesis in the groin were treated successfully with antibiotics, local debridement, and continuous irrigation of the area with the appropriate antibiotic solution. We describe a system developed to permit steady instillation of antibiotic solution and complete drainage by suction to remove serous and necrotic material. In selected cases of infected vascular grafts, when they have not thrombosed, aggressive local and systemic therapy may control the infection and permit salvage of the prosthesis.