Reducing the risk of wound infection in operations upon the colon.

One hundred and forty-seven patients undergoing elective colonic operations during a 30 month period were studied. The over-all wound infection rate was 6.8 per cent. Thirty-seven patients had subcutaneous drains used and, in none, did a wound infection develop. The incidence of wound sepsis in the remaining patients was 9.1 per cent. Wicks appear to be of benefit in reducing the incidence of wound infections in elective colonic operations.