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The value of intraoperative wound cultures in predicting the bacteriology of wound infection after elective abdominal surgery

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Summary

FIFTY patients undergoing abdominal surgery had intraoperative wound cultures taken and 14 of the cultures grew organisms. Five of the contaminated wounds that grew organisms developed infection. The coliform organisms cultured from the intraoperative wound and those from the infected wounds had similar antimicrobial sensitivities.

We conclude that intraoperative wound cultures are of value in predicting wound infection and may be a useful guide to the use of antibiotics.

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Waldron, R., Drumm, J., Cunningham, F. et al. The value of intraoperative wound cultures in predicting the bacteriology of wound infection after elective abdominal surgery. I.J.M.S. 152, 300–302 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02945301

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