Arch Surg Chicago
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We analyzed the occurrence of putative risk factors for postoperative infection in 338 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for penetrating abdominal injury. Mortality was 3%, with nine of ten deaths directly related to infectious complications. ⋯ Other risk factors examined (shock, number of organs injured, mode of injury, and chest injury) did not contribute any additional information. Colon injury was more prevalent in patients with trauma-related infections than in those with nosocomial infections.