Any surgery no matter how minor should not be taken lightly. There are many risks that are associated with surgical procedures and some that are simply out of our control. It sounds ironic, but you need to be in the possible health you can be in prior to a surgical procedure.
Before surgeries you will want ensure that you are not only eating well but getting proper rest. One of the most important aspects of your health at this point is your state of mind. If you are not emotionally and mentally prepared to undergo surgery then you might want to hold off on the procedure until you are, if possible.
The length of the actual surgical procedure can have a huge effect on the recovery period and risks after the surgery. Infection is always a high risk anytime you open the body. The longer the surgery takes the higher the risk of infection.
Infections can occur because of various reasons, some completely out of your control. Prior to surgery it is common that the hospital or surgical center will administer a dose of antibiotics into your I.V. Following the surgery there is usually a ten day prescription of antibiotics to help fight off any lingering bacteria.
Keeping the dressing of the surgical site clean and dry is very important. Again eating healthy and proper sleep will help your immune system stay strong. Unfortunately there is a still a risk of infection. Most infections are caused by a bacterium entering the wound after your procedure. In some rare cases there can be a bacterium on the tools used in surgery. Another cause is that there could be bacteria prevalent in the body that is simply lurking around waiting for a weak place to attack, and a surgical wound can provide the perfect home.
The surgical wound is treated with an antibacterial cream and covered to help prevent any bacteria from making its home there and covered to stop the everyday bacterium in the air from settling in or on the wound. It is important to follow your doctor’s care directions completely.
Many doctors do not have a problem with you showering a few days after surgery, making sure not to soak or saturate the wound, others forbid it. No matter how difficult it is to only sponge bathe you must follow his or her direction. When staples are used to help close a wound there will be some sores after removal. It is important to treat these areas just as you did the surgical wound for a few days.
After the initial recovery period you must still be careful with the surgical site and watch for any changes, there are times when bacteria can sit dormant until the host is in a weakened state. Take recovery slowly and let your body heal. Slowly add normal activities back in to your schedule and do not over do it.
