Successful management of prosthetic graft infection with continuous povidone-iodine irrigation
J. H. Kwaan and J. E. Connolly
In ten consecutive patients, prosthetic graft infections were managed by a
continuous povidone-iodine irrigation technique supplemented by intravenous
administration of an appropriate antibiotic. A colostomy bag apparatus was
used to ensure constant soaking and immersion of the infected wound. Wound
healing occurred in all patients either by secondary intention, direct
suturing, or rotation graft technique, and all grafts except one have
remained patent and functional over a follow-up period of one to four
years. The effectiveness of this management modality permits control of
infection without the necessity of prosthetic graft removal and eliminates
the need for other intricate bypass operations in these patients with
sepsis who are often critically ill.
