Surgical Site Infections

What is a Surgical Site Infection (SSI)? 

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that can occur at a surgical site after a procedure. An SSI can be serious, and treatment may require extra medications, a longer hospital stay, or a return to the hospital. There are things we can do to help prevent an SSI from happening to your child.

Signs and symptoms of infection 

• Redness and pain around the area where your child had surgery 
• Cloudy fluid draining from your child’s surgical wound 
• Fever 
• Unexplained chills, sweating, or rapid heart rate 

How can I help prevent a SSI?

Before surgery: 

• Bath or shower with soap and water 
• Put clean sheets on their bed or crib 
• Tell the healthcare provider about other medical problems your child may have, such as allergies, or chronic illnesses that could affect the patient’s surgery and treatment. 
• Do not shave near the surgical area. Shaving with a razor can irritate the skin and make it easier to develop an infection. 

After surgery: 

• If you do not see the healthcare team clean their hands, please say something. 
• Do not touch the surgical wound or dressings, unless you have been taught how to safely change the dressing by the healthcare team 
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Hand hygiene is required: 
• Before and after visiting your child.  
• Before and after you prepare food, eat, or feed your child. 
• Before and after you use the bathroom or change a diaper. 
• Before and after caring for your child’s wound. 
• Remind visitors to also perform hand hygiene 

Before you leave the hospital: 

• Make sure you understand how to care for your child’s wound. 
• Make sure you know who to contact if you have questions or problems. 

Once you are home: 

• If the patient has any symptoms of an infection, such as redness and pain at the surgery site, drainage, fever, unexplained chills, sweating, or rapid heart rate call your healthcare provider immediately. 

Questions? 

We value providing safe care for your child. Thank you for your help in providing a germ-free environment for your child's surgical wound. If you have any questions, ask your child's nurse or doctor. 

Updated 4/2025

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