Wound infection following laryngectomy The effect of topical ampicillin and carbenicillin

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Abstract
A study of 22 consecutive laryngectomies performed in 1 unit is reported. In 11 controls, 7 (67%) developed a [bacterial] wound infection. In 11 patients, ampicillin and carbenicillin were used topically, and 3 (18%) developed wound infections (P < 0.04). Studies of the bacterial flora at the time of operation suggest that the major source of wound contamination is colonization of the upper gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. The ease with which a small innoculum of pathogens produces wound infection in these patients is discussed, and it is suggested that the underlying defect is depression of host cellular immunity resulting in failure of bacterial destruction by activated macrophages.