A surgical site infection (SSI) occurs when the pathogens double up at the surgical incision area. Respiratory infection or urinary tract infection can take place after surgery. Surgical site infections are of three types and are categorized based on how severe the infection is. Germs that enter your body during the surgery or after can cause infection. In some cases, SSIs may cause difficulty including sepsis, an infection in your blood that can result in organ failure, and other complications.
Doctors like Dr. Autumn Savage in Dallas can help prevent surgical site infection and provide a reliable treatment to curb the infection.
Symptoms of Surgical Site Infection:
Any type of SSI may have redness, fever, pain, swelling, or delayed healing. You will start noticing the symptoms in fewer than 30 days.
Here are a few additional symptoms after surgery:
- Hardening or Swelling of the Incision
The area which is infected may get hardened due to the inflammation in tissues. Additionally, you may notice the site is swollen or puffy.
- Redness
Redness at the incision area is normal and fades away over some time. However, if the redness increases and does not fade away in a few days, it could indicate that the site is infected.
- Pain
Although the doctor will provide painkillers, you may notice that the pain starts growing more. If the pain in your surgery site grows without any reason, it may be a symptom of infection.
- Drainage from the Incision
The incision can cause foul-smelling drainage and pus too. The drainage may be chunky or thick. Additionally, the color of pus may be green, white, or yellow. If you notice drainage, immediately consult a doctor.
How to Prevent a Surgical Site Infection?
It is essential to stop smoking before the surgery and share your medical history, especially if you have diabetes or chronic illness. Avoid touching your wound or surgical site, no matter how curious you feel. You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after the surgery regarding wound care. Furthermore, after the surgery, if you notice pus, fever, or heat around your wound with any other symptoms of surgical site infection, then you must consult your doctor immediately.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you notice any of these signs, then you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
These symptoms include:
- Irritation at the site
- Soreness and pain
- Drainage from the site that is yellow, cloudy, or sweet-smelling
- Fever that goes above 100.3°F (38°C) or higher for 24 hours or more