[Social aspects of the problem of suppurative surgical diseases]

The case records of 259 patients with purulent surgical diseases are analysed. The following social groups of patients were distinguished; students--10.4%, office workers--20.5%, factory and agricultural workers--35.9%, lonely pensioners, invalids, and homeless persons--33.2%. The last named group is least socially protected, and the diseases in these cases have a characteristic course and outcomes. In the groups of students and office workers the disease is predominantly marked by the formation of abscesses with rapid resolution after an operative intervention. In the socially unprotected group with somatic diseases, poor nutrition, and absence of care, the purulent process takes a phlegmanous course calling for the use of antibiotics and immunostimulators. The percentage of rehospitalization among these patients is high (up to 20%) due, in many respects, to social factors.