Basics about Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

Surgical site infections can happen when bacteria get into an open surgical opening. Most patients do not get SSIs, but if an infection happens, it may involve the skin, other tissues, organs or implanted materials. The common symptoms of a surgical site infection are redness and pain around the surgery area, a fever and sometimes a cloudy-colored liquid coming out of the surgical opening. SSIs can be treated, so be sure to tell your doctor or another healthcare professional if you notice any of these signs.

What you can do to prevent an SSI:

1. Before surgery: talk with your surgeon about any of your medical problems, quit smoking and do not shave any area close to where you are having surgery.
2. At the time of surgery: speak up about the use of sterile methods, and ask about whether you should receive antibiotics before surgery.
3. After surgery: be sure your surgeon and other members of the healthcare team clean their hands with soap and water before checking you, never allow family or friends to touch the surgical area or dressings and be sure they wash their hands with soap and water before visiting with you.
4. Before you go home: ask the healthcare team to explain what you need to know about taking care of your wound at home, always wash your hands with soap and water before caring for your wound and ask who you should call if you have questions or symptoms of an infection.

Questions to Consider Asking Your Doctor

• What causes SSIs?
• How are healthcare professionals preventing SSIs before and during surgery?
• What should I do to help prevent SSIs?

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