Postoperative infection in arterial surgery: a review of the incidence and distribution in 386 patients.

The clinical records of 386 patients undergoing surgery for peripheral arterial disease during the period 1958 to 1974 were examined for patterns of wound infection. The incidence of infection in arterial reconstructive procedures was 7.4%, of which infections 2.2% were major. A high incidence of minor wound infection was found not to be of significance with regard to patient morbidity. The greater risk of wound infection occurring when there was an ischaemic skin lesion present distally in the limb was confirmed. An incision in the groin was not clearly identified as a significant factor in the development of wound infection. The prophylactic use of antibiotics has not resulted in a lower incidence of infection, when compared with those results reported from centres where antibiotic prophylaxis has not been routine. Analysis by year has demonstrated a lower incidence of infection in the more recent years 1969 to 1974.