Surgery always carries some degree of risk, and as such, patients are often warned about the possibility of infection as part of the informed consent process. However, not every post-surgical infection is unavoidable.
In some cases, serious infections develop because healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care before, during or after a particular procedure.
Post-operative infection prevention requires a proactive approach
Preventing infections requires attention at every stage of treatment. Hospitals and surgical centers are expected to follow sterilization protocols, maintain sanitary operating environments and ensure that surgical instruments and equipment are properly prepared for use. Breakdowns in these procedures can expose patients to harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Proper post-operative care can also mean the difference between health and potentially devastating illness. Medical professionals should monitor patients for signs of infection, including fever, redness, swelling, drainage from all surgical sites and unusual pain. Delays in recognizing or responding to these symptoms can allow an infection to spread and become much more dangerous.
To that end, patients should receive clear instructions regarding wound care, medication use, follow-up appointments and warning signs that require immediate medical attention. When discharge instructions are incomplete or confusing, patients may unknowingly miss opportunities to seek treatment before an infection worsens.
The bottom line
Healthcare providers are not guarantors of perfect results, and some infections occur despite appropriate care. However, when inadequate sanitation practices, delayed diagnoses, medication errors or failures in post-operative monitoring contribute to preventable harm, legal accountability for harmful medical negligence may be appropriate.