SURGICAL SEPSIS-REPORT ON SUBTOTAL GASTRECTOMIES

Abstract

The incidence of postoperative sepsis on a surgical service was determined because of the widespread impression that the risk of surgical sepsis is increasing. A retrospective record survey and statistical analysis of sepsis after 3,000 subtotal gastrectomies established an incidence of septic complications of 4% in the period 19411953. Prior to this period, when blood transfusions were not readily available, and after this period, when an increasing number of emergency subtotal gastrectomies were performed, the incidence of postoperative sepsis was greater. The clinical use of antibiotics was not synchronous with these changes. A large part of the recent rise in postoperative sepsis is a consequence of the altered case material. Numerous factors contributing to the development of sepsis require careful analysis before any one factor, such as environmental bacteria, may be held accountable.