Healthcare-Associated Infections: Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

Clinical Summary

• A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place; it may involve only the skin or may be more serious and involve deeper tissue, organs, or implanted material.
• SSIs can develop days to months after surgery, depending on the procedure and whether an implant is involved; prompt recognition and clinical evaluation are important when post-operative patients develop concerning wound changes or systemic signs.
• Diagnosis is clinical plus appropriate cultures/imaging as indicated. Treatment typically includes antibiotics and may require additional procedures (e.g., drainage or re-operation) depending on severity and depth.
• Prevention is multi-factorial and includes evidence-based perioperative practices (e.g., appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis, skin antisepsis, sterile technique, and postoperative wound care). CDC provides SSI prevention guidance for healthcare settings.
• In Tennessee, select SSIs are tracked as part of healthcare-associated infection reporting through the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) to support surveillance and prevention efforts.

Clinical Links & Info

What It Is

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection in the part of the body where a surgery was performed. SSIs can be superficial (skin only) or more serious if they involve deeper tissues, organs, or implanted devices.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, drainage from the incision, or fever after surgery. Some infections show up soon after surgery, while others can appear later.

How It Spreads

SSIs happen when germs enter the surgical area during or after an operation. Risk can be affected by the type of surgery, the patient’s health conditions, and how wounds are cared for before and after surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Healthcare providers diagnose SSIs based on the exam and may order tests (such as cultures or imaging). Treatment often includes antibiotics and, for some infections, additional medical or surgical care.

Prevention

Preventing SSIs includes steps taken by the surgical team and the patient, such as following pre-op instructions, keeping the wound clean and dry as directed, and contacting a provider promptly if symptoms develop.