Signs of Infection a Week After Surgery
All surgery carries some level of post-surgical infection risk 1. Infection can occur directly at the incision site or within surrounding areas of the body. Many surgical patients are discharged shortly after undergoing surgery, so be aware of the earliest symptoms of infection. According to Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek of Women's Health Resource, most severe complications will show up by the third week after an operation.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Fever
A slightly elevated temperature is normal just after surgery, but 100.4 degrees is the limit. Fever higher than that should be discussed with a doctor. A temperature that rises more than a few days after surgery may indicate infection.
Discharge, Normal and Abnormal
Signs of Infection After Appendicitis Surgery
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Slight amounts of blood or clear fluid drainage at the incision site is normal. eOrtthopod.com advises that In the event of heavier bleeding or of drainage that is "cloudy, yellow, or foul smelling," you should contact a physician.
Pain and Discomfort
Some amount of pain or discomfort is normal. This is usually most bothersome during the first few days following surgery and should be alleviated with minimal to moderate levels of prescribed pain medication. Extreme pain that prompts you to "double over" or be otherwise immobilized may indicate infected tissue. Excruciatingly sharp pain at or around the incision site can also point to infection.
- Some amount of pain or discomfort is normal.
- Extreme pain that prompts you to "double over" or be otherwise immobilized may indicate infected tissue.
Swelling
Post Surgery Incision Infection Signs
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Some inflammation of the area around the surgical wound is to be expected. But if swelling around the incision site persists or becomes worse after several days, there may be infection present in the surgical wound. Reddish, tender skin or a burning sensation at the site may also be signs of infection.
Overall Feeling of Illness
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center website notes that as with other types of infection, post-surgical infections can cause general sensations of discomfort, such as headache, joint or muscle aching, or light-headedness 4.
Related Articles
References
- Livestrong: Post Surgery Incision Infection Signs
- Women's Health Resource: Post-Hysterectomy: What to Expect After Your Surgery
- eOrthopod: Postsurgical Infection
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center: Hysterectomy, Abdominal
- Freiberg JA. The mythos of laudable pus along with an explanation for its origin. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2017;7(3):196–198. Published 2017 Jul 13. doi:10.1080/20009666.2017.1343077
- Gyawali B, Ramakrishna K, Dhamoon AS. Sepsis: The evolution in definition, pathophysiology, and management. SAGE Open Med. 2019;7:2050312119835043. doi:10.1177/2050312119835043
- Schmitz G, Goodwin T, Singer A, et al. The treatment of cutaneous abscesses: comparison of emergency medicine providers' practice patterns. West J Emerg Med. 2013;14(1):23–28. doi:10.5811/westjem.2011.9.6856
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Writer Bio
Since 1997, Tracy Morris has written about fertility and medical topics for magazines such as "Achieving Families," "ePregnancy," "Nurses Lounge" and internet communities like MomsOnline. She has written for the clinics IntegraMed America, Shady Grove Fertility and RSC Bay Area. Morris has a Bachelor of Arts in human development/family studies from University of Houston and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists.