Detection of sepsis in the postoperative patient.

It becomes evident, therefore, that there is no one indicator, either clinical or laboratory, sufficient to diagnose infection in the postoperative patient. Only a skillful clinician using the multiple modalities available and combining them with a careful history and physical examination and a high index of suspicion will be able to diagnose and treat infection in a timely manner and so avoid the physical, emotional, and fiscal costs of a late or missed diagnosis.