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High tissue oxygen tension has been shown to promote wound healing and prevent surgical-site infections (SSIs) in animal models. However, randomized, controlled studies examining the incidence of SSIs among humans who received 80% oxygen during and immediately after surgery have produced conflicting results (JW Infect Dis Nov 18 2005). In an attempt to resolve this issue, investigators in Denmark conducted a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial comparing the effect of 80% and 30% inspired oxygen during surgery and for 2 hours afterward on SSIs and pulmonary complications after laparotomy. A total of 1400 patients were enrolled.
In an intent-to-treat analysis, the incidence of SSIs within 14 days of surgery was comparable between the 80…