[Wound infection and its treatment: urology]

The following aspects are important for prophylaxis and treatment of wound infections in the genitourinary system: wound infections are classified as clean, clean-contaminated, and contaminated-soiled. This classification is elucidated by clinical examples. A closed drainage system, well-controlled diversion of urine, and a sterile surgical dressing are principal points of prophylaxis. Systemic chemotherapy should not be given as a matter of routine. An infected wound must be treated following well-known surgical rules and needs adequate systemic chemotherapy. In an infected urinary tract a short pre-, per-, and postoperative antibiotic treatment is advisable. Under control of urine diversion and drainage, wound dressing should be done with antiseptic but not antibiotic solutions. Irrigations of the genitourinary system are ineffective. An adequate systemic chemotherapy is indicated only if there is danger to life by progression of infection.