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.