Preventing Surgical Infections

Before You Arrive

• Make sure your child has a shower (or bath) the night before and the morning of surgery. Wash with an antiseptic soap, paying particular attention to the area that will be operated on.  Use a clean wash cloth.  Dry with a clean towel. The surgeon or staff may provide soap containing chlorhexidine during your preop visit. Chlorohexidine is considered most effective for this purpose.
• If your child smokes, encourage him/her to stop smoking. Patients who smoke are more prone to infection. Inform the surgeon and, if possible, come up with a plan to quit before surgery.
• Avoid shaving near the area to be operated on.This can irritate the skin and make it easier to develop an infection.