Postoperative infections in breast surgery.

The rate of infections in mastectomy wounds is apparently higher than normally allowed for in clean operations. A retrospective analysis of our results over two time periods shows a 6.4% infection rate for a one-step operation and 11.1% for a two-step operation between 1970 and 1976, compared with 2.6% and 7.6% for 1980-86, respectively. In accordance with other published reports, we found that a two-step operation, and advanced age, increase the danger of infection. The predominant pathogens were staphylococci. We advise the employment of a one-step operation in conjunction with prophylactic use of antibiotics.