source control
Surgical intervention to eliminate or control the anatomical source of infection in patients with sepsis or complicated infections.
Full Definition
Source control refers to the physical measures undertaken to control or eliminate the anatomical source of ongoing infection or contamination. This includes surgical drainage of abscesses, debridement of infected or necrotic tissue, removal of infected foreign bodies or devices, and repair of perforated viscera. Effective source control is a critical component of sepsis management and often determines patient outcome more than antibiotic therapy alone. The timing of intervention must balance the urgency of infection control with the patient's physiological reserve and operative risk. Inadequate source control is a common cause of treatment failure in severe infections.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from general infection control measures and specify intervention type.
In Context
- "Adequate source control was achieved through percutaneous drainage of the abscess." — General surgery consultation
- "Despite appropriate antibiotics, the patient deteriorated due to inadequate source control." — ICU case discussion