Infection Following Surgery

Claim For an Infection After Surgery

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When undergoing an operation one of the most serious complications you can encounter is an infection. The risk of you developing an infection during an operation is increased in a number of ways. Firstly, an incision can allow bacteria to enter the body through the protective layer of the skin, causing a wound infection. Having surgery can also see temporary catheters, drains and breathing tubes being used which can cause bacteria to build up in unusual places. On top of all this, surgery is tough on the body and as such can lower your immune system, making developing an infection all the more likely.

There are many types of infections that can develop as a result of surgery, from urinary tract infections and pneumonia to abscesses and skin infections. After surgery, a good way to keep track of the healing process is to remember that every day you should feel a little better than the day before with your wound visibly improving. Should you feel any worse, then you must visit your doctor without delay.

These are some of the signs to look out for if you think you may be developing an infection as a result of surgery:-
Fever – A slightly higher temperature is very normal in the first couple of days following an operation, however should you develop a fever of 101.5 or higher then this may be a sign of infection.

• Redness – Some redness around your incision is nothing to worry about, but should this spread further and become painful it might indicate that an infection is developing.
• Skin swelling – The redness of the wound might make this difficult to see but there are other signs to look out for, such as the skin hardening or a build-up of fluid under the incision, leaving it feeling a little like a water balloon when pressed.
• Discharge – Surgical incisions will naturally come with a little bit of drainage but this should disappear within a few days of the surgery taking place. Thick fluid, fluid with a bad smell or blood from the incision are all signs that there could be an infection developing.

If you or your loved one has developed an infection as a result of surgery then you might be able to make a claim for compensation, as this infection could have developed as a result of the surgeon’s negligence. To discuss your individual case, please call our experienced and knowledgeable clinical negligence solicitors today on 0800 028 2060 or contact us online here.