Delayed closure in the management of the contaminated wound.

Postoperative wound infection is still a major problem in contaminated wounds, with reported incidences as high as 30% and more. During a period of five years, 272 wounds were managed by open care and delayed closure. The overall wound infection rate was 4%, 5.1% in "contaminated" and 3.2% in "dirty" wounds. The incidence of wound dehiscence was 1.5%, but there were no other significant wound complications. Hospital stay was not prolonged, the patients accepted the method well and the work-load of the staff was not unduly increased. In view of the impressive reduction in infection rates the author recommends the open care/delayed closure method for potentially contaminated wounds.