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For many patients, having surgery is a big step, one that’s carefully planned, often after weeks of decision-making and emotional preparation. But even after the operation is done, there’s still one thing that often lingers in the back of people’s minds: “What if I get an infection?”

It’s a real concern, and a valid one. You might have heard stories of someone developing a fever after surgery or needing extra medication because something wasn’t healing right. The truth is, infections can happen after surgery, but the good news is, at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, we have a dedicated team of Infectious Disease (ID) specialists ready to respond quickly and protect your recovery.

Let’s walk through with Dr Rasidah, Consultant Infectious Disease Specialists, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, to understand how post-surgery infections are managed, and most importantly, how we help keep you safe.

Why Do Infections Happen Even When Everything is Clean?

Many patients are surprised to learn that infection can still happen, even in a clean hospital or operating room. That’s because bacteria, viruses, or fungi can sometimes come from:

• The patient’s own skin or body (especially if the immune system is weak)
• Medical devices like catheters or IV lines
• Prolonged hospital stays or certain health conditions like diabetes

This doesn’t mean something went wrong, it just means the body is in a vulnerable state. After surgery, wounds are still healing and the immune system is busy repairing tissue, so there’s a short window where infection risk is slightly higher.

What Are the Early Signs of a Post-Surgical Infection?

As a patient, you might start to notice:

• A fever that won’t go away
• Redness, swelling, or pus near the surgical wound
• Pain that feels “different” than expected
• Feeling unusually tired or unwell

It’s important not to panic. These signs don’t always mean there’s a serious infection, but they do need to be checked. The sooner we investigate, the better the outcome.

How We Find the Cause – Fast and Accurately

When symptoms appear, Infectious Disease specialists step in with a clear process. We use specialised tests like:

• Blood cultures to detect bacteria in the bloodstream
• Wound swabs to find out what’s growing around the surgical site
• Imaging scans if there’s swelling inside
• Lab work to check organ function or immune response

Every result helps us build a clearer picture. We don’t guess, we identify exactly what’s causing the issue and how best to treat it.

Do I Get Antibiotics Right Away? Not Always — And That’s a Good Thing

Many patients expect to get antibiotics as soon as they have a fever. But here’s the thing, not every fever is caused by infection, and not every infection needs the same antibiotic.

We tailor your treatment based on:

• The exact bacteria or virus identified
• How your body is responding
• Any other medical conditions you have

This approach helps avoid giving unnecessary antibiotics (which can lead to resistance or strain your kidneys or liver). Instead, we use the right medicine, in the right dose, for the infection, ensuring your safety throughout.

Why Acting Early Matters So Much

If infections go untreated, they can spread, sometimes even to the bloodstream, causing a serious condition called sepsis. But when caught early, most infections are very treatable.

(Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure.)

This is why Infectious Disease specialists work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, pharmacists, and nurses. Together, we monitor your recovery, track your test results, and act quickly if anything changes.

You’re Not Alone in This Recovery Journey

As a patient, it’s normal to feel nervous or unsure after surgery, especially if your body doesn’t feel “right.” But you’re not left to figure it out alone.

At Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, your care continues beyond the operating theatre. You have an entire team watching over your healing process, including doctors like me who specialise in infection prevention and treatment.

If something doesn’t feel right after your surgery, talk to us. That small question, or early check-in, could make all the difference in speeding up your recovery and avoiding complications.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

For more information on how Infectious Disease specialists support post-surgical recovery and infection management, visit our Infectious Disease services page or speak to your healthcare provider.