Post surgical infections are unfortunately not that uncommon a phenomenon. Around thirty million people undergo operations for various ailments each year, out of which nearly sixty thousand are said to develop post surgical infections. The statistics are definitely alarming. Infections after a surgery can hinder and prolong the healing process. If proper treatment is not administered, the consequences can many a times be fatal. Infections of this nature can be caused due to several reasons. A post-surgical infection is caused when bacteria or other microbes gain access to the site of the wound or incision. Loose dressings, improper cleaning of incisions and a lack of hygiene can all permit bacteria to get to the incision site. Surgical procedures, irrespective of how small or complicated they are, always carry the risk of an infection. While simple procedures generally bear a low level of risk, the more complex ones, which involve leaving the patients skin open for a substantially long period of time, face a greater risk.
When an individual develops a post-surgical infection they may display one or more of the following signs or symptoms; a fever that may be mild or high, the area around the incisions begins to turn red, pain that gradually increases to become severe and constant, the area around the site of the incision gets swollen, the wound begins to ooze, the drainage continues for a period of more than five days and the liquid being drained is yellow or cloudy with a foul smell. Post-surgical infections always call for medical attention. Home remedies unfortunately will not help in this scenario. Please do not self medicate or administer any other kind of treatment without your doctor's approval, as this will complicate things even further. Additionally, some infections have a tendency of spreading, thereby making things even worse. When one begins to notice signs of an infection, it is prudent to consult a physician immediately. Depending on the nature and extent of the infection, treatment will be recommended.
Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Make sure that you wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap before changing bandages. Avoid wetting the incision, unless your physician tells you to do so. Again, do not self medicate or use any kind of medication on the wound, unless the physician has advised you to do so. Do not pick or scratch the incision. When it comes to changing the bandages, follow the instructions that have been provided by your doctor.
answered by G M