How to Spot a Post-Surgery Infection Before It Becomes Serious
How to Spot a Post-Surgery Infection Before It Becomes Serious
Recovering from surgery is no small feat. Managing medications, following post-operative instructions, and dealing with lingering pain and discomfort can be overwhelming while you are healing.
Some pain and swelling are normal after surgery, but certain symptoms can signal that an infection needs attention. Knowing what to watch for can help you seek treatment at the right time and avoid more serious complications.
What Is a Post-Surgical Infection?
A post-surgical infection, also called a surgical site infection (SSI), happens when bacteria or other pathogens enter the surgical wound. Most infections develop within the first month post-operation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three types of SSIs:
- Superficial SSI: Affects the skin around the incision
- Deep incisional SSI: Occurs beneath the site of the incision, such as in the muscles or connective tissue
- Organ or space SSI: Affects nearby organs or the space between organs
Signs of a Post-Surgical Infection
Recognizing the signs of an infection can help you keep track of your recovery. According to Piroska Kopar, MD, a trauma and critical care surgeon at University of Utah Health, infection symptoms fall into three categories:
1. Symptoms That Affect Your Whole Body
These symptoms may mean your body is fighting an infection:
- Fever higher than 100.4 degrees
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
2. Changes Around Your Incision
Keep an eye on your incision as it heals. Contact you care team if you notice:
- Redness spreading beyond the incision site
- Swelling
- Pus
- Foul-smelling odors
3. Signs of a Deeper Infection
Sometimes an infection develops beneath the incision, even if the outside looks normal. You may experience:
- Increasing pain
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas—accompanied with nausea and vomiting—can be a sign of an abscess or bowel obstruction
“The signs that are truly concerning for a complication are not subtle,” Kopar says. “It would be high fever, debilitating pain, or not being able to hold down food.”
How to Lower the Risk of Infection
SSIs are preventable and relatively uncommon, with the CDC estimating about 1–3% of people develop a post-operative infection after surgery. To reduce your risk, be sure to carefully follow the wound care instructions from your provider.
Your care team may recommend that you:
- Wash your hands before cleaning the incision or changing dressings
- Avoid touching the incision
- Only use ointments or topical medications if you are advised to do so
- Take your medications exactly as instructed
- Reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
- Ensure the dressings stay clean and dry
- Keep the incision and surrounding area clean
“There’s usually an initial period where you shouldn’t shower,” Kopar says, “but after that, unless there are specific instructions not to, it’s good to have soapy water run over the incision.”
When to Seek Care
If you’re unsure whether your surgical wound is healing properly, or if you have new redness or swelling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team. Take pictures of the areas of concern to track any changes, which can help your doctor evaluate whether the area is improving or getting worse.
Seek medical attention right away if you experience:
- Persistent fever or chills
- Foul-smelling drainage from the wound
- Pain that doesn’t go away with medication
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
Whenever possible, contact the team that performed your surgery. They know the details of your procedure and recovery plan and can often provide the quickest guidance. If that isn’t an option, go to the nearest emergency department.
You’re Not Recovering Alone
At University of Utah Health, your care team will provide detailed information you need to recover at home. But support doesn’t end there.
“We have a very robust clinic system, with a network of providers and nurses who will review the patient’s pathology and check in with them at pre-determined dates to see how they’re doing,” Kopar says.
These follow-up conversations allow your care team to monitor your recovery, flag any potential concerns, and, if needed, facilitate appointments at the clinic that performed the surgery. Recognizing the signs of an infection can help you feel empowered going into surgery and prevent serious complications.
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