This study compares CO2 laser sterilization with iodine surgical scrub in infected pseudomonas wounds in the rabbit, and on frequency of wound breakdown secondary to sepsis. Thirty-three New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral flank incisions and infection with a standard solution of pseudomonas aeruginosa. After 4 days of incubation, the wounds were randomized to receive laser sterilization and routine iodine surgical scrub respectively. Following sterilization, excision of the wound, and suturing was carried out. After 12 days, the wounds were assessed for evidence of residual infection as well as wound breakdown in a double blind fashion. Clinical observation, qualitative microbiology, and in some cases histology, were used to document the presence of infection. Statistical analysis of wound breakdown secondary to infection revealed a significant difference in breakdown rates. Three laser and 12 iodine treated wounds displayed breakdown secondary to sepsis. We conclude that the CO2 laser sterilization technique is more effective than routine iodine surgical scrub.