Table 1 Urgency of source control intervention (after [23])

1

<1-2 h after diagnosis

Rapidly progressive disease e.g. necrotizing fasciitis, intra-abdominal infection with abdominal compartment syndrome

2

As soon as patient physiology allows

Limited deferral is acceptable provided antibiotics are administered and patient is not deteriorating e.g. peritonitis

3

As soon as infectious process has demarcated

Adequate source control is facilitated and probability of collateral damage lower e.g. infected pancreatic necrosis in a stable patient