This page was reviewed by the ERAS Cardiac Editorial Team and is provided for general education only. Always talk with your care team about your individual treatment plan and recovery needs.
What Is a Surgical Site Infection?
A Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is an infection that happens where your surgical incision was made, usually within 30 days of surgery. In cardiac surgery, this can include the chest incision or deeper tissues like the breastbone. If you had an implant placed during surgery, infection can occur up to a year later.
Some infections are mild, while others may be more serious. SSIs can slow down your healing, require extra treatment, and affect how you feel physically and emotionally during recovery.
How Can a Surgical Site Infection Affect My Recovery?
Infections after surgery can cause:
- More pain or discomfort
- Delayed healing and longer recovery
- A need for more medications, tests, or even additional procedures
- Extra time in the hospital
- Stress, anxiety, or worry
What Increases My Risk?
Some factors that can raise your risk of an SSI include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Older age
- Poor nutrition
- A weakened immune system
- Long surgeries
- Improper wound care
- Low body temperature during surgery
- High blood sugar levels during or after surgery
How Can I Help Prevent Infection?
Your care team will take many steps to prevent infection. You can help by following their instructions before and after surgery. Prevention steps may include:
- Showering with a special antiseptic soap before surgery
- Taking antibiotics before and after surgery, if prescribed
- Keeping your incision area clean and dry
- Eating well to support healing
- Keeping blood sugar levels in control (if you have diabetes)
- Letting your team know right away if you notice signs of infection
What Are Signs of Infection?
Call your care team if you notice:
- Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around your incision
- Pus or drainage from the wound
- Fever or chills
- New or worsening pain
The sooner an infection is treated, the better your recovery may be.
At a Glance
- Surgical site infections can affect your healing after heart surgery
- Some risk factors can be managed with help from your care team
- Good hygiene, nutrition, and wound care can reduce your risk
- Watch for signs of infection and report them early
ERAS Cardiac VEC Disclaimer
The Virtual Education Center (VEC) and all included content are provided for general education about enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. The information has been reviewed by healthcare professionals but is not meant to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient’s situation is unique. Always talk with your own doctor or care team about what is best for you.
For questions or comments about the ERAS Cardiac VEC, please contact us.
AI Assistance Statement
This summary was developed with assistance from artificial intelligence and reviewed, edited, and approved by the listed editor(s). Reference: OpenAI (2025). ChatGPT (November version) [Large language model].
https://chat.openai.com