Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Site Infections
Page last reviewed: May 9, 2019
A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. Surgical site infections can sometimes be superficial infections involving the skin only. Other surgical site infections are more serious and can involve tissues under the skin, organs, or implanted material.
Symptoms include:
Yes. Most SSIs can be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic given depends on the bacteria (germs) causing the infection. Sometimes patients with SSIs also need another surgery to treat the infection.
To prevent SSIs, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers should follow CDC infection prevention guidelines including:
Before surgery:
At the time of surgery:
After surgery:
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