Management of sepsis involving expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for hemodialysis access.

The incidence and management of infections in 80 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts is reviewed. In a follow-up period of 12 to 30 months, the overall incidence of infection was 19%. In functioning grafts the majority of infections occurred after dialysis puncture or reoperation. With appropriate management, by incision, drainage, and packing of wounds with povidone-iodine solution, it was possible, even in the face of positive blood cultures, to treat four of five localized infections successfully without loss of graft function. Prophylactic antibiotics may be useful in reducing the high incidence of infection associated with secondary operations.