Surgical Site Infections, Wound Care

Surgical Site Infections & Wound Care Overview

Infections related to surgical sites, prosthetic joints and chronic wounds require specialized care to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. When surgeries involve the placement of hardware like stents, prosthetic joints or other devices, the risk of infection increases, potentially leading to serious issues. Additionally, chronic wounds or slow-healing post-surgical wounds require expert wound care to avoid infection and promote recovery. The infectious disease specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services for surgical site infections (SSIs), prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and complex wound care, offering comprehensive, tailored care to help you heal effectively.

Symptoms of Surgical Site and Prosthetic Joint Infections
Why should I see an infectious disease specialist post-surgery?
Comprehensive Treatment Plans
When should I seek help?
Preventing Recurrent Infections
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Symptoms of Surgical Site and Prosthetic Joint Infections

Redness, swelling or warmth around the surgical site

Increased pain or tenderness at the site, especially after initial healing

Drainage or pus from the incision

Fever or chills

Limited mobility or increased stiffness in the affected joint

Extreme fatigue

Loosening of the device or an unusual clicking sensation in the joint, if joint replacement

Why should I see an infectious disease specialist post-surgery?

While general and orthopedic surgeons are skilled in performing the necessary procedures, infectious disease specialists provide a unique level of expertise in diagnosing and treating infections involving surgical hardware and prosthetics. Surgical site infections can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms are often subtle and can mimic other post-operative issues. The infectious disease specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic have access to advanced diagnostic tools, imaging and cultures which allow for the exact identification of the infection. This accurate diagnosis is critical to provide the most effective treatment plan.

Comprehensive Treatment Plans

For many patients, treating these infections goes beyond antibiotics. Our infectious disease specialists work closely with surgeons and other providers to create a comprehensive treatment plan. These plans can include:

Wound care management: Specialized wound care techniques are used for chronic or slow-healing wounds to promote healing and prevent further infection.

Debridement: Debridement is the surgical removal of infected tissue around the hardware or joint.

Device replacement: In severe cases, the device or prosthetic joint may need to be completely removed and replaced after the infection is under control.

When should I seek help?

If you have had surgery involving prosthetic joints, stents or other hardware, or have had general surgery and experience any signs of infection, do not delay in getting medical attention. Early intervention is key in preventing severe complications. Hattiesburg Clinic infectious disease specialists provide a level of expertise that is essential for effectively managing these types of surgical site infections, helping you recover and return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Preventing Recurrent Infections

One of the greatest risks after an initial infection is recurrence. Hattiesburg Clinic provides long-term follow-up care to monitor healing, ensure infection eradication and prevent future issues. By closely monitoring immune response and healing progress, we can identify early warning signs of re-infection and adjust treatment proactively.

Surgical Site Infections & Wound Care