Surveillance of surgical wound infections in cancer patients.

Despite the increasing number of therapeutic options available to cancer patients, surgery represents a mainstay of treatment. Surgical wound infections (SWIs) account for frequent patient morbidity, and the true incidence of these infections is probably underestimated. Little data exist that identify SWI rates among patients with cancer. Due to their disease, intensive treatment regimens, or both, profound immunosuppression is an all too frequent occurrence among cancer patients. Thus these patients may have a higher intrinsic risk for acquiring an SWI. Surveillance of SWIs coupled with reporting of wound infection rates has been shown to reduce these infectious complications. Surveillance of SWIs as well as other nosocomial infections is often accomplished through combined methodologies. Multidisciplinary communication is essential for accurate reporting. Additionally, proper use of antibiotics for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes must be maintained and periodically evaluated hospital-wide. Prescribing, dispensing, and administrating antimicrobials warrant the strong consideration of all healthcare professionals who are responsible for carrying out orders for these agents.