An Overview on How to Prevent Surgery Related Infections

Jan. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- Surgery is performed every day in the United States to correct, enhance or improve the health and appearance of people. While many surgeries occur without complications, some surgeries do have complications. One of the most common complications after surgery is getting a “Surgical Site Infection (SSI)” Since 1 to 3 percent of people who have surgery develop an infection, it is essential to learn how patients can help prevent an infection post-surgery.[ii]

One way to prevent becoming infected from surgery is to research different hospitals to see which one has the best procedures to reduce and prevent SSIs most effectively. Specific examples include making sure the hospital’s medical staff (doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals) thoroughly cleanse their hands and arms, up to their elbows, with antiseptic cleanser immediately before surgery. Ensure that every doctor, nurse, etc., uses an alcohol-based hand cleanser or anti-bacterial soap and water immediately before and right after providing care. One needs to make sure that all medical professionals wear gloves, gowns, masks and other appropriate hygienic coverings to minimize bacterial exposure to the surgical site. Antibiotics should be first administered 1 hour before and continued until 1 day after the surgery is completed at the hospital.[iii]

There are many things that a patient can do themselves to minimize the chances of infection before, during and after surgery. Inform your doctor about any other medical issues you have – examples include allergies, obesity or diabetes. If you are a smoker, quitting before you undergo surgery will greatly reduce your risk of getting an infection. Don’t shave or otherwise irritate the skin anywhere near the surgery site – irritated skin is more prone to becoming infected.[iv]

On the day of your surgery, there are some simple and effective things you can do to further reduce your chances of infection. If your surgeon or other medical professional is going to shave your surgery site, raise concerns about why you need to be shaved. Ask exactly why you need to be shaved and, if possible, speak with your surgeon directly if you have any questions. Follow up on the day of surgery regarding if you will get antibiotics prior to surgery.[v]

Once your surgery is complete, it is essential to make sure safety standards are followed the moment you are in recovery. Before each time your surgery site is examined by a medical professional, make sure they was their hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or anti-bacterial soap and hot water. To be completely sure the medical staff has clean hands you can request them to wash their hands before the examination. Family and friends should not attempt to touch any portion of the body connected with your surgery. Prior to and after seeing you at the hospital while in recovery, friends and family should throughoughly was their hands and if they are sick, should refrain from visiting.[vi]  

When you are ready to go home from the hospital, there are some very effective instructions to follow. Your surgeon, assigned physician or nurse will give you instructions on how to effectively care for your wound. Making sure that you understand how to follow these when you are discharged will minimize the chance for a future infection. Before and after following your wound care directions, make sure that you clean your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap. Along with these directions, having contact information for clarification on wound care instructions is essential to prevent surgical site infections. The most important thing to remember once you are out of the hospital is to make sure you contact a professional as soon as you have questions or notice any abnormalities related to your surgery recovery.  

http://www.shea-online.org/Assets/files/patient%20guides/...

[ii] http://www.shea-online.org/Assets/files/patient%20guides/NNL_SSI.pdf

[iii] http://www.shea-online.org/Assets/files/patient%20guides/NNL_SSI.pdf

[iv] http://www.shea-online.org/Assets/files/patient%20guides/NNL_SSI.pdf

[v] http://www.shea-online.org/Assets/files/patient%20guides/NNL_SSI.pdf

[vi] http://www.shea-online.org/Assets/files/patient%20guides/NNL_SSI.pdf