| Surgery Common pathogens Recommended antimicrobials* | Orthopedic S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci Cefazolin, cefuroxime sodium, or vancomycin | Vascular S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, enteric gram-negative bacilli Cefazolin or vancomycin |
|---|
How are surgical site infections treated?
Most surgical site infections can be treated with antibiotics . The antibiotic given to you depends on the bacteria (germs) causing the infection. Sometimes patients with SSIs also need another surgery to treat the infection.
How is a surgical site infection treated?
| Surgery Common pathogens Recommended antimicrobials* | Orthopedic S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci Cefazolin, cefuroxime sodium, or vancomycin | Vascular S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, enteric gram-negative bacilli Cefazolin or vancomycin |
|---|
What happens if a surgical wound gets infected?
Infections are caused by germs that enter your body during or after surgery. In severe cases, SSIs can cause complications, including sepsis , an infection in your blood that can result in organ failure.
How long does it take for a surgical site infection to occur?
An SSI typically occurs within 30 days after surgery .
What is the most common cause of surgical site infections?
Most SSIs are caused by the patient’s own bacterial flora. The most common microorganisms causing surgical site infection are Staphylococcus aureus (20 percent), Coagulase negative staphylococcus (14 percent) and enterococcus (12 percent).
What does an infected surgical wound look like?
Swelling/ hardening of the incision: An infected incision may begin to harden8 as the tissue underneath are inflamed. The incision itself may begin to appear swollen or puffy as well. Redness: An incision that gets red, or has red streaks radiating from it to the surrounding skin may be infected.
Are surgical site infections common?
SSIs occur in 2% to 4% of all patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures . Although most infections are treatable with antibiotics, SSIs remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after surgery.
What are the signs of infection after surgery?
Signs of infection, like fever and chills . Redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or any discharge from the surgical site . Nausea or vomiting that doesn’t get better. Pain that doesn’t get better with medication.
How is a surgical site infection diagnosed?
A superficial incisional SSI is diagnosed if a superficial wound appearance is consistent with infection , occurs within 30 days of operation, and consists of one of the following: (1) purulent drainage from the superficial incision; (2) organism growth from an aseptically obtained culture of fluid or tissue; (3) ...
How do you tell if a wound is healing or infected?
- Warmth. Often, right at the beginning of the healing process, your wound feels warm. ...
- Redness. Again, right after you’ve sustained your injury, the area may be swollen, sore, and red in color. ...
- Discharge. ...
- Pain. ...
- Fever. ...
- Scabs. ...
- Swelling. ...
- Tissue Growth.
What are the 3 stages of sepsis?
The three stages of sepsis are: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock . When your immune system goes into overdrive in response to an infection, sepsis may develop as a result.
What color pus is bad?
Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue and germs (bacteria). The pus may be yellow or green and may have a bad smell. The usual cause is an infection with bacteria.
Why are surgical site infections bad?
Surgical site infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality . Patients with SSI are twice as likely to die, 60% more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, and more than five times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after discharge.
How long does it take for a surgical incision to heal?
In most cases, a surgical incision heals in about two weeks . More complex surgical incisions will take longer to heal. If you have other medical conditions or are taking certain medications, your healing time may differ.
How can surgical infections be prevented?
- Handwashing. ...
- Clean skin. ...
- Sterile clothing and drapes. ...
- Clean air. ...
- Careful use of antibiotics. ...
- Controlled blood sugar levels. ...
- Controlled body temperature. ...
- Proper hair removal.
