One of the main risks that needs to be accounted for during any surgical operation is the risk of infection. Even when minimally invasive techniques are used, it’s possible for bacteria to enter the incision site and cause an infection. Not only can an infection bring with it a host of uncomfortable symptoms, but it can actually threaten the success of your surgery and your overall health.
You can’t completely eliminate the risk of an infection, but if you take a few steps before and after your procedure, you can greatly reduce your likelihood of developing an infection. In today’s blog, we share some ways you can reduce your risk of an infection after shoulder surgery.
Preventing Infections Before Shoulder Surgery
Reducing your risk of an infection after shoulder surgery starts before your operation. The most important thing you can do to control your risk of an infection is to make sure that you are moving forward with a provider that you have the utmost confidence in to perform the procedure correctly. Look around at online reviews and ask specific questions about your shoulder issue during your initial appointment. If they have a great track record and their answers put you at ease, odds are that’s a surgeon that will be able to minimize your risk of an infection. If it just doesn’t feel like a good fit, set up a consultation with a different specialist. You have final say in who operates on your shoulder, so only move forward with a provider who you trust.
Once you’ve settled on a surgeon, you need to start working towards becoming the healthiest version of yourself prior to surgery. Three key ways you can do that before surgery include:
- Regular Exercise – Getting regular exercise helps you maintain an ideal weight and prompts healthy circulation, ensuring tissues have access to oxygenated blood.
- Healthy Diet – You’ll want to consume a variety of healthy options so that your body has access to a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
- Stop Smoking – If you’re a smoker, you’re really going to want to try to kick the habit prior to your operation. Smoking and the damage it causes to your blood vessels can increase your risk of infection and delayed healing.
Preventing Infections After Shoulder Surgery
You’ll also want to take some steps to reduce your risk of an infection following your surgical procedure. The most common time for an infection to develop is within the first week while the skin is still working to close back up, so you need to be ready to care for your incision site right away. Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of an infection following your shoulder procedure:
- Keep The Site Clean – Change your dressings as recommended by your care team in order to keep the surgical site clean and dry.
- Avoid Getting The Incision Wet – Avoid getting your incision site wet. Your doctor will likely give you some instructions for how to best keep the area dry while bathing. Follow their instructions until you get clearance to get the area wet.
- Healthy Diet – You’ll want to continue eating healthy after your operation so that recovering tissues have access to crucial nutrients from your diet.
- Don’t Smoke – Avoid smoking after your operation, as it can inhibit healthy blood flow to the surgical site.
- Know The Symptoms – Know the warning signs of an infection so that you can get early treatment if an infection is brewing. If the incision site is hot, red, swollen or has been discharging yellowish fluid, you’ll want to connect with your care team.
If you can follow all of the above tips and you trust your care to an experienced surgeon like Dr. Holloway, we’re confident that you will be able to reduce your risk of an infection after your shoulder surgery. For more information, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Holloway, give his office a call today at (865) 410-7887.
