Many risks are associated with surgery. Among them is the chance of getting an infection. Precautionary steps can help the patient avoid many infections. But sometimes infection cannot be avoided no matter what is done.
Chances for Infection
Surgery makes the body more susceptible to infections. This is one of the main reasons operating rooms and equipment are sterilized and why surgeons must go through a rigorous cleaning before entering the room. Advancements in medical care have greatly decreased the number and types of infections occurring in postoperative patients, but they still occur.
Preparing the Body to Fight Infections
Doctors conduct a wide range of tests to ensure that the patient does not have an infection before his surgery. Patients who have an infection prior to surgery are at risk for complications and are more apt to have an infection following the procedure. Generally, the surgery is postponed in those cases. The medical staff may administer antibiotics to the patient before the procedure to decrease the risk of infections. After the surgery more antibiotics are prescribed as the patient recovers.
Incision Infection
Infections in the incision area are among the most common types of infections occurring postoperative. Infections of this type are generally treated with antibiotics or ointments. The infected incision must be kept clean and sterile dressings are changed frequently. Incision infections are more common in diabetic patients.
Sepsis
Sepsis is one of the most severe postoperative infections. Sepsis spreads throughout the body and is very hard to control. Patients with sepsis have an increased body temperature, fast heart rate and a high white blood cell count. Broad spectrum antibiotics, and IV fluids are among the treatments used to treat sepsis. Sepsis may cause organs to fail, requiring additional surgery or the use of machines to keep the organs working.
Prevent Infection
As a surgery patient, know what you can do to reduce the risk of infections. Take all medication as directed. Request that the incision site be shaved with clippers, rather than a razor. Razors can cause infections in the incision site of some patients. Understand your risks for infection and increased healing time if you are diabetic. Notify your physician immediately if high fever or nausea occur following surgery. Your doctor should also be notified if the incision site becomes inflamed or starts to ooze pus.
