[Infected wounds].

Continuous prophylactic therapy with antibiotics has been used for a long time to try to prevent the step from bacterial contamination to clinical infection of surgical wounds. Earlier results of clinical trials were poor and side-effects common. For those used in recent years, however, the side-effects of pre- or perioperative prophylactic antibiotics have been minimal, although the therapeutical benefits have not yet been proven.

[Indicated and non-indicated administration of antibiotics in surgery (author's transl)].

Considerations and own experience regarding prophylactic administration of antibiotics and therapeutic customs in surgery are discussed. Based on own and long-term studies recommendations are given for effective and purposeful use of chemotherapy in surgery.