A goal-oriented local approach to the prevention of postoperative purulent complications includes the use of compression suture devices to establish intestinal anastomoses and a complex of measures aimed at preventing surgical wound suppurations. To form compression anastomoses, use was made of the original AKA-2, AKA-4, IZhKA and SPTU devices fitted with compression clamps and of magnet facilities. The complex of measures to prevent postoperative wound suppurations includes optimal methods of laparotomy wound suture and the use of antibacterial suture materials, bathing of the wound by pulsed douche under pressure, local antibacterial prophylaxis by new dosage forms, preventive aspiration lavage and drainage of the wounds. Comparative clinical investigations carried out in more than 3,000 patients have demonstrated the effectiveness of the preventive methods under consideration and a decrease of the rate of postoperative wound suppurations from 11.7 to 2.3%. The rate of anastomosis failure amounted to 2.7%.