Principles of Source Control in the Management of Sepsis

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.