[Wound infection and its treatment. In general and abdominal surgery]

The treatment of infected wounds follows the well-known principles of septic surgery: incision, drainage and perhaps irrigation. The prevention of infection is particularly important: a short clinical stay in preparation for the operation, observing the rules of hygiene, and an atraumatic surgical technique. Prophylactic antibiotics are indicated in surgery of the colon. In manifest peritonitis the source of infection must be eliminated. Drainage of the free abdominal cavity as well as intra- and postoperative peritoneal irrigation are of questionable value.