Septic complications of surgery at the diabetic leg

Abstract

Traditionally in the surgical field the diabetic patient is supposed to offer ideal host conditions for bacterial adhesion, multiplication and finally infection. Although a conditio sine qua non for infection microorganisms are only one aspect in the multifactorial aetiology of surgical infection – unfortunately frequently overemphasised. The aim of this paper is to present the current pathophysiological model on the aetiology of postoperative infection under the particular aspect of surgery at the diabetic leg. Illustrated by clinical experiences and published examples of typical septical complications approaches for prophylaxis and therapy of postoperative infection at the diabetic foot and leg will be discussed.