Patient Education Surgery: Preventing Infection

Surgery – Preventing Infection A risk of any surgery is infection. Preventing an infection involves both you and your healthcare team.  Hair around the surgical site may need to be removed. Instead of using a razor, clippers will be used to decrease the chance of nicks and infection. Before Surgery  Your surgical site will be cleaned with an antimicrobial scrub or soap. This helps remove the bacteria from your skin and decrease the growth of bacteria during and after your surgery. At Home  Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Use soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds each time.  If you smoke, stop. This will help your lungs work better during surgery and decrease the chance of getting pneumonia and help prevent infection.  If you have diabetes, try to control your blood sugars. High blood sugars slow the healing process.  Call your doctor if you have a fever, cold or flu symptoms during the week before your surgery.  Take a shower the night before and/or the morning of surgery. You may be told to use a special soap or wipes to clean the area where your surgery will be done.  The doctor and staff in surgery will wear gowns and masks to decrease the chance of infection. After Surgery At the Hospital  Staff will wash their hands or use alcohol hand rub when they enter and leave your room.  Staff will also wash their hands before and after taking care of your wound.  Do not shave or use other methods to remove hair in the area of your surgery.  Your incision may be covered with a dressing (bandage). Dressings will be changed as needed. Staff will wear gloves when changing them and check for any signs of infection.  Dress warmly and stay warm on the way to the hospital.  Wash your hands before you touch your dressing or incision and afterward. At the Hospital  If family members or visitors have a fever or cold symptoms, ask them to stay home.  Antibiotics are given 30 to 60 minutes before some surgeries such as heart or joint replacement surgery. A second dose of antibiotic may also be given during surgery.  Ask all visitors to wash their hands when coming into and leaving your room.  Don’t be afraid to remind the staff about hand washing.