[Value of the routine documentation of wound infection and complication rates following general surgical interventions].

1430 patients who underwent general surgery were analysed in a prospective study. The examinations were aimed at showing how the results obtained were influenced by prophylactic antibiotic treatment, bowel preparation and suturing technique. Additionally, it was investigated whether the ordered steps were performed in an adequate manner. Finally the regular documentation of wound infection and complication rate could be found to contribute to improving the operative results by detecting avoidable complications.