Management of culture-negative surgical site infections

Infections at the surgical site delays wound healing, prolongs hospitalization, increases morbidity and the overall costs. These issues are compounded when the postoperative infection is culture-negative. This article outlines the general principles of managing postoperative surgical site infections, with an emphasis on culture-negative infections. Practical issues, in the absence of positive culture are discussed, together with practice points to minimize the incidence of culture-negative surgical site infections.