Surgical Sepsis

IN surgical circles concern exists over the current risk of postoperative sepsis. The obvious importance of preventing needless infection and of establishing the best opportunity for primary healing has engendered in the surgeon a vital interest in sepsis, but this very interest, so critical in the care of the surgical patient, has forced into premature flower colorful speculations and fanciful theories based on impressions rather than on properly controlled observations. Numerous studies and editorials1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 have recorded the variety of septic problems seen in hospitals today, but investigations establishing facts convincingly are few in number. From a review of the available . . .