title: Postoperative sepsis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Postoperative sepsis is a major cause of surgical associated morbidity and mortality. Our goal is to describe its incidence, pathophysiology, and contributing factors. In addition, we will review preventive measures and treatment options that may possibly reduce its healthcare burden.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We review epidemiologic data and clinical tools presented in multiple current studies, which may help lower incidence and improve outcome of postoperative sepsis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of postoperative sepsis has not declined over the past years, although mortality is trending downwards. Several biochemical and genetic markers may allow early diagnosis. Prevention and prompt treatment may lower mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. elchananf@hadassah.org.il
authors.forename: Elchanan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fried
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weissman
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sprung
mesh_terms: D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers