Types of Surgical Infection. Acute Purulent Infection. Abscess. Phlegmon
Classification of Surgical Infections
Surgical infections are classified based on pathological course and clinical features:
- Acute Surgical Infections
- 1.1. Acute purulent (suppurative) infection – most common
- 1.2. Acute putrefactive infection – caused by decay bacteria (e.g., Proteus, gas- producing organisms)
- 1.3. Acute anaerobic infection – caused by Clostridium, Bacteroides
- Chronic Surgical Infections
- 2.1. Chronic nonspecific – develops from incompletely treated acute infection
- 2.2. Chronic specific – TB, actinomycosis, syphilis
Acute Purulent (Suppurative) Infection
Definition
A localized or diffuse infection in which suppuration (formation of pus) is dominant. It typically arises rapidly, and is associated with inflammation and tissue destruction.
Etiology (Causative Agents)
- Gram-positive:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Gram-negative:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pathogenesis
- Entry point through a skin/mucosal break
- Infiltration phase: microbial invasion → local inflammation
- Suppuration phase:
- Liquefactive necrosis
- Pus forms in a post- necrotic cavity
- If localized → abscess
- If diffuse → phlegmon
Clinical Signs
- Redness
- Pain
- Heat ( calor)
- Swelling ( tumor )
- Loss of function ( functio laesa)
Treatment
- Surgical incision
- Evacuation of pus
- Installation of antiseptic solution
- Drainage
- Systemic antibiotics in more severe cases