Surgery
Hospitals can improve surgical care and reduce the risk of wound infection after surgery by providing the right medicines at the right time on the day of surgery.
There are also steps that you, as a patient, can take to make sure the surgery is as safe as possible. For example, your doctor or nurse can tell you how to wash with an antibiotic soap the day before surgery. You can also give your doctor or nurse a list of all your medications, including vitamins, herbal medicines, and over-the-counter medications. You should also tell your doctor or nurse about any allergies and bad reactions to anesthesia.These indicators summarize how well we follow recommended surgical practices to prevent infection and other surgical complications.
Sometimes patients get an infection after surgery, even if the hospital took steps to prevent it. Here are signs to look out for:
- The surgical wound is red, hot, and swollen.
- You have a fever of over 100 degrees after you go home.
- A smelly or yellow/green fluid is coming out of the wound.
- Your pain is increasing even though you are taking pain medication.
- Call your doctor or local hospital immediately if you have any of these signs.
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Who received preventative antibiotics one hour before incision (if appropriate)
|
73%
|
85%
|
89%
|
|
Who received the appropriate preventative antibiotic(s) for their surgery
|
100%
|
94%
|
94%
|
|
Whose preventative antibiotics are stopped within 24 hours after surgery
|
95%
|
89%
|
87%
|
|
With recommended Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prophylaxis ordered
|
90%
|
86%
|
87%
|
|
Received appropriate VTE within 24 hours before or after surgery
|
90%
|
83%
|
84%
|
More information about preventing infections is available at: