title: Principles of source control in the management of sepsis.
abstract: The term "source control" encompasses all those physical measures used to control a focus of invasive infection and to restore the optimal function of the affected area. Source-control measures can be categorized into 3 broad modalities: drainage controls the liquid component of an infection by converting a closed space infection to a controlled sinus or fistula; debridement is the physical removal of solid necrotic tissue (removal of an infected device can be considered a form of debridement); definitive measures seek to restore optimal function to the involved area. This article discusses specific approaches to source control in the abdomen, chest, and skin and soft tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. marshallj@smh.toronto.on.ca
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Abdullah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: al Naqbi
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000601:surgery; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D003646:Debridement; D020878:Device Removal; D004322:Drainage; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D009336:Necrosis; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000601:surgery; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000601:surgery; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000601:surgery; D013152:Splanchnic Circulation