Hand infections--the academic surgeon's perspective. 1. A historical sketch and the status of surgical drainage.

The academic surgeon must teach by example and action the importance of aseptic technique and proper wound care, practices that were supremely important in the prevention and treatment of surgical infections before the introduction of antibiotics but that remain so even in the modern medical age. The advent of antibiotics has greatly lowered the incidence of hand and other infections, opened the way for prophylactic treatment, and reduced the need for surgical drainage. However, over the years one theme has recurred: Initial care is preeminent in the prevention and treatment of all surgical infections.