Health workers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila work through the long weekend on October 31, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News  MANILA — In the Philippines, there are probably over several thousand elective surgeries performed every single day. 

That's a lot of people embarking on a journey towards a healthier future.

While surgery itself is a powerful tool for addressing medical concerns, it's important to be aware of the risks of potential complications.

One such complication is a surgical site infection (SSI), which occurs when bacteria enter the incision made during surgery and proliferate causing a wide array of problems.

Think of an SSI as an uninvited guest crashing the party your body throws to heal itself. These infections can delay recovery, cause discomfort, may require additional treatment and may cause long-term consequences.

But the good news is, there are steps you can take to be a proactive patient and minimize your risk of this unwelcome visitor.

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Here are the top five things to remember before your surgery, explained in more detail:

Be an Open Book with Your Surgeon: Building Trust and Tailoring Your Care

This isn't about spilling every childhood secret (although a surgeon who is a good listener is always a plus!), but it's crucial to be upfront with your surgeon about your entire medical history.

Think of it as building a bridge of trust and transparency. Disclose any health conditions you have, medications you're taking, and even recent illnesses like a cold.

Why? Because certain conditions, like diabetes or a weakened immune system, can put you at a higher risk of infection. Additionally, some medications can interfere with anesthesia or how your body heals.

By having a complete picture of your health, your surgeon can tailor their approach to minimize risks.

For example, if you have diabetes, they might adjust their plan to ensure proper blood sugar control before, during, and after surgery.

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Shower Power: Prepping for Surgery Like a Champion

Imagine a world-class athlete meticulously preparing for a big game. Now, apply that same dedication to your pre-surgery routine.

The night before surgery, take a thorough bath or shower using any antibacterial soap whether provided by your doctor or hospital or something you bought.

This helps remove any bacteria hanging out on your skin, making it a less welcoming environment for those pesky microbes.

Think of it as giving your body a head start in the fight against infection.

Ditch the Cigarettes and Alcohol (Even for a Short While): Giving Your Body a Fighting Chance

Listen, we all have our indulgences. But if you're a smoker or a heavy drinker, consider putting them on hold for a few days before and after surgery.

Smoking weakens your immune system and impairs how your body heals wounds. Imagine the tiny blood vessels responsible for delivering healing nutrients to your incision site — smoking can actually damage these vessels, making it harder for your body to repair itself.

Alcohol can also interact with anesthesia and medications, potentially leading to complications. 

Talk to your doctor about creating a temporary quit plan. Your body will thank you for it!

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Let Your Body Hair Do its Thing: Nature's Built-in Barrier

Here's a surprising fact: shaving the surgical site can actually increase your risk of infection.

Crazy, right? The truth is, your body hair acts as a natural barrier, protecting the skin from nicks and scratches that could be entry points for bacteria.

Instead of shaving, your surgeon will likely trim the hair with clippers just before the procedure. This reduces the risk of accidental cuts while preserving that natural protective layer.

Follow Your Surgeon's Orders Like Gospel: The Road to a Smooth Recovery

When you're recovering from surgery, consider yourself a champion wound warrior. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your incision, including cleaning and wound dressing changes.

Additionally, they might recommend specific exercises, like deep breathing exercises, to promote healing and prevent complications like pneumonia.

Don't skip these steps! They're crucial in keeping your surgical site clean and infection-free.

Think of the operating room as a specialized battleground against infection. Sterile doesn't just mean clean; it means completely free of germs and bacteria. To achieve this, the surgical team follows strict protocols.

The operating room environment itself is meticulously maintained, with air filtration systems removing airborne particles and surfaces disinfected with powerful cleaning agents.

The surgical team wears sterile gowns, gloves, and masks to create a barrier between themselves and the surgical site. Even the instruments used are carefully sterilized to ensure they are germ-free.

Remember, preventing SSIs is a team effort. By being an informed patient and following your doctor's instructions, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure a smooth (and infection-free!) recovery.

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to ask questions! The more informed you are, the more confident you'll feel about your surgery.

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Established in September 1936, the Philippine College of Surgeons is the country's premier organization of surgical professionals. PCS has several surgical specialty societies including the Philippine Surgical Infection Society.