Blog Topic

Infections After Surgery
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
June 14, 2011

Millions of people go under the knife each year for various reasons. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that hospital-acquired surgical infections are the second most common form of hospital infections. What's worse is that many of these infections can be prevented with proper treatment.

What is a surgical site infection? A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs at or near the incision site within 30 days of the operation or within one year if the implant is left in place.

How risky is a surgical infection? A surgical site infection will increase a patient's risk of death by twice or 11 times the norm.

What can a the doctor or nurse do to reduce the risk of a surgical infection?

Administer antibiotics in a timely manner. Giving the right antibiotic at the right time can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If a caregiver gives the wrong pill, wrong dose, or administers the pill too early, too late, or not at all, a patient is at increased odds of contracting an infection.

Avoid hair removal at surgical site. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommends that hair at the site not be removed unless it interferes with the surgery. Also, if it needs to be removed, it should be done directly before surgery with clippers. Razors should not be used, for they cause small cuts in the skin where bacteria can settle, out of reach of skin cleansers.

Monitor the patient. If the surgery is cardiac, caregivers should manage glucose levels after surgery.

There is so much information available for hospitals regarding hospital infection prevention, that hospitals should have no excuse in causing infections. The CDC identifies and grades preventative steps for hospital-acquired infections and many hospitals have their own set of prevention protocols.

Because of this, hospitals should be held responsible for hospital-related infections that could have been avoided. If you or your loved one has contracted an infection after surgery or in the hospital, give the attorneys at Knapp & Roberts a call. We believe that you have the right to feel safe when in the care of a doctor or hospital. We can help you.

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