Colon operations without wound infection. Principles and techniques in 101 cases.

A total of 101 consecutive elective colon operations were performed with no postoperative wound infection. Patients with a wide variety of diagnoses and procedures were included in the series. Many factors contribute to the formation of postoperative wound infections. A comprehensive approach with attention to preoperative nutritional assessment, bowel preparation, wound protection, sterile technique, closure of the incision, and systemic prophylactic antibiotics contributed to the overall good results.