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Symptoms of Infection After Surgery

After surgery, there is a possibility that you can contract an infection. Most common types include surgical site infections (SSIs) and those as a result of intravenous (IV) catheters and urinary catheters.

While there are steps you can take to reduce you risk of infection, you can’t completely eliminate the risk.  Below are some common types of infections and symptoms (and a list of the most common bacteria) to look out for as soon as your surgery is complete.

Surgical Site Infections

If you have surgery, the chances of developing a surgical site infection (SSI) are about one to three percent according to the CDC. Most SSIs develop within the first 30 days after surgery. Common symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Localized swelling
  • Delayed healing
  • Tenderness / pain
  • Fever
  • Warmth at infection site
  • Drainage of cloudy fluid from the surgical wound

Intravenous Catheter Infections

IV catheters can also cause problems after surgery. While serious complications are uncommon, they can occur with prolonged use. One condition to be alert for is phlebitis, which occurs when your blood vessels become inflamed. Thrombophlebitis is similar but a thrombus (clot) is also involved. Symptoms include:

  • Localized redness and / or warmth at the IV insertion site
  • Inflammation
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Pruritus (severe itching of the skin)
  • Fever
  • A hardened area corresponding to where a clot has formed in the vein

Urinary Catheter Infections

If you have a urinary catheter, germs can travel along the catheter and can cause an infection in your kidney or bladder, thus resulting in a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). According to the CDC, symptoms of a CAUTI include the following:

  • Burning or pain in the lower abdomen
  • Bloody / cloudy urine
  • Burning during urination
  • Frequent urination after the catheter is removed
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

Sepsis

Infections that develop after surgery can also lead to sepsis, which is the body’s life-threatening response to an infection. It is most prevalent and most dangerous in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Any type of infection in your body can cause sepsis, including infection of the skin, lungs, urinary tract and abdomen. The symptoms of sepsis include common infection or flu signs (diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, fever, chills or shaking, etc.) in addition to the following:

  • High fever (body temperature above 101 degrees or below 96.8 degrees F)
  • Increased heart rate (higher than 90 beats per minute)
  • Increased respiratory rate (higher than 20 breaths per minute)
  • Probable or confirmed infection

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.