What Are Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)?
Surgical site infections can occur when bacteria harmful germs or enter your body through the surgical site (any cut the surgeon makes in the skin to perform the operation). Most infections are caused by germs found on and in your body but infections can happen because germs are everywhere including on your skin, in the air, and on things you touch. The tips below may help some prevent SSIs but, despite all prevention efforts, they can sometimes still occur.
Typical Symptoms of SSIs
Increased soreness, pain, or tenderness at the surgical site
A red streak, increased redness, or puffiness near the incision
Greenish-yellow or bad-smelling discharge from the incision
Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Centigrade or higher
A tired feeling that won’t go away Symptoms can appear at any time from hours to weeks after surgery.
Implants such as an artificial knee or hip can become infected a year or more after the operation. Make sure you contact your health care provider if you suspect you have an infection.
Risk Factors and SSIs
The risk of acquiring a surgical site infection is higher if you:
have a weakened immune system or other serious health problem such as diabetes
are an older adult
smoke
are very overweight
are malnourished (don’t eat enough healthy food)
Tips To Prevent SSIs - Healthcare Providers and You:
Practicing proper handwashing techniques. Before any operation, the surgeon and all the operating room staff need to scrub their hands and arms with an antiseptic soap.
The surgeon and/or operating room staff will clean the site where your incision is made with an antiseptic solution.
The surgeon and/or operating room staff will wear medical uniforms (scrub suits), long-sleeved surgical gowns, masks, caps, shoe covers, and sterile gloves. They will also cover you with a sterile drape with a hole where the incision will be made.
The health provider may give you an antibiotic preoperatively if needed.
You need to closely watching your blood sugar levels very carefully, especially if you are a diabetic. Keeping them within a normal range helps to support good wound healing.
Keeping you warm before, during, and after your operation is important. Maintaining a close to normal body temperature ensures good oxygenation of the tissues and this promotes wound healing. Warmed IV fluids and warm blankets are available and may be provided by the hospital staff. You can help keep yourself warm before the procedure by bringing in warm socks or slippers.
Do not shave hair from the incision site or use a hair removal product! If hair must be removed, the surgeon makes this decision and special clippers, which do not touch the skin, are used to remove hair. You can help by not shaving the area of the incision for at least 1 week prior to your surgery!
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional. If you have questions about your personal medical situation, please call your healthcare provider.
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