The frequency of wound infection was studied in 92 patients who had received cadaver kidneys. Wound drainage was performed in 26 patients and not performed in 66 patients. Wound infection was found in 31% of the wounds with drainage and in 14% of wounds without primary drainage. The results were compared with the frequency of 34% infected wounds in a previous report where wound drainage was performed routinely. It is advised that, when possible, wound drainage should be avoided.