🛡️ Postoperative Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Prevention

Postoperative care plays a crucial role in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). Early detection, wound management, and patient education are key components of effective SSI prevention after surgery.

• Promote optimal wound healing
• Prevent microbial contamination of the incision site
• Detect early signs of infection

• Keep wound clean, dry, and covered for at least 24–48 hours
• Use aseptic technique for dressing changes
• Avoid topical antibiotics unless specifically indicated

• Monitor for:
  1. Redness, swelling, warmth
  2. Purulent discharge
  3. Fever or systemic symptoms
• Use standardized wound surveillance protocols

• Do not prolong prophylactic antibiotics beyond 24 hours post-surgery (unless justified)
• Reserve therapeutic antibiotics for documented infections

• Remove surgical drains and urinary catheters as early as possible
• Ensure closed drainage systems remain sealed and secure

• Instruct patient on:
  1. Hand hygiene before touching wound
  2. Signs of infection and when to seek help
• Educate about avoiding self-removal of dressings or stitches

• Observe for CSF leakage, which increases SSI risk
• Avoid tension or manipulation over craniotomy/spinal wounds
• Ensure follow-up for wound inspection and imaging (if required)

• Record wound status in clinical notes
• Schedule dressing changes and suture/staple removal
• Include SSI surveillance in quality control programs

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