Infection control after surgery

Overview

Infection control after surgery means taking steps to prevent germs from entering your body through the surgical wound (incision). This helps you heal safely and avoid complications.

Surgical site infections occur in about 1 to 3 out of every 100 people who have surgery. Most are mild and easily treated.

Anyone having surgery can get an infection, but it is more common in people with diabetes, weak immune systems, or those having longer or more complex surgeries.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound
• Increased pain at the surgical site
• Pus or drainage from the wound
• Fever (temperature over 38°C or 100.4°F)

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or irritability
• Crying more than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or change in mental state
• Low energy or weakness
• Fever may be less obvious, so watch for any change in behaviour

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria from your skin or the environment entering the wound during or after surgery
• Using unclean equipment or hands near the wound
• Not following wound care instructions

Risk factors

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Long surgery time
• Weak immune system from illness or medicines
• Emergency surgery

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• As soon as you notice signs of infection like redness, pus, or fever
• If your wound is not healing or is getting worse

Book a routine appointment if:

• At your scheduled follow-up appointments to check the wound
• If you have questions about wound care

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will look at the wound and ask about your symptoms. They may take a sample (swab) from the wound to check for bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam of the wound and surrounding skin
• Taking a swab for culture (to find which bacteria are present)
• Blood tests if there are signs of a body-wide infection

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is quick and usually painless. If a swab is taken, it may feel a little uncomfortable but not painful. Your doctor will explain the results and what to do next.

Treatment

Treatment for a surgical site infection focuses on cleaning the wound and using antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria). Your doctor will choose the right antibiotic based on the type of bacteria found.

Self-care at home

• Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed
• Change dressings as often as your healthcare team tells you
• Wash your hands before touching the wound
• Take pain relievers as recommended (avoid aspirin unless told otherwise)
• Rest and eat a healthy diet to help your body heal

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the form of pills or, for more serious infections, through a drip (intravenous). They may also need to open the wound slightly to drain pus. This is done in a clean, careful way. Always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.

When is surgery considered?

Rarely, if the infection is deep or does not get better, you may need another operation to clean the wound thoroughly. Your surgeon will discuss this with you if needed.

Living with this condition

While healing from surgery, pay close attention to your wound. Follow all wound care instructions. Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous activity until your doctor says it is safe. Keep the wound dry when bathing - your doctor may suggest covering it with waterproof plastic.

Lifestyle tips

• Stop smoking (smoking slows healing and increases infection risk)
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes by keeping blood sugar under control
• Wash hands often, especially before touching the wound

Diet and exercise

Eat foods rich in protein (like lean meat, eggs, beans) and vitamins (fruits and vegetables) to help your body repair. Stay well hydrated. Avoid heavy exercise until cleared by your doctor, but gentle walking can improve circulation and healing.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about infection or healing is normal. It can be stressful. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns. They can offer reassurance and support. If you feel very anxious or down, consider speaking with a counsellor or support group.

Prevention

Yes, many infections after surgery can be prevented. Before surgery, your team will clean your skin and give you antibiotics if needed. After surgery, following your wound care instructions is the best way to prevent infection.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread deeper into the wound or into the bloodstream (sepsis)
• Delayed healing of the surgical wound
• Formation of an abscess (a pocket of pus)
• Need for additional surgery or longer hospital stay

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most surgical site infections clear up within a week or two. Your body is good at healing when given the right support. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely to make sure you recover fully.

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