What a Surgical Site Infection Is

A Surgical Site Infection (SSI) occurs when bacteria enter the incision area during or after an operation. These infections can develop in the skin, the tissues beneath the skin, or the organs involved in the procedure. While surgeons take strict precautions to keep the environment sterile, bacteria can occasionally bypass these defenses. This is a common complication that requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.

Most SSIs appear within thirty days of your surgery. Look for increasing redness, swelling, or pain around your incision site that does not improve after a few days. You may also notice cloudy drainage or an unpleasant odor coming from the wound. If you develop a fever, it is a signal that your body is fighting a potential infection.

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent these infections. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after you touch your bandages or the skin around your stitches. Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding when to change your dressing and how to keep the site dry. Do not apply creams, lotions, or ointments unless they were specifically prescribed for your incision.

If you are diagnosed with an SSI, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the issue. In some cases, we may need to reopen the wound slightly to drain the infected fluid and allow the site to heal from the inside out. While this can be frustrating, it is necessary to ensure the infection does not spread to deeper tissue. We will monitor your progress closely until the wound closes properly.