Things to Do to Avoid Infection

Hibiclens^®
Before surgery, you may be asked to clean your skin with an antimicrobial liquid soap called Hibiclens^®. This will help lower the risk of infections after your surgery.
See instructions

Recover
Doing exercises before and after your surgery will help lower the risk of problems, such as soreness, weakness, getting tired easily, and swelling. 

Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site infections (SSIs) may happen after surgery.
Learn more about prevention and symptoms of SSIs

Eating, Drinking, and Smoking

• For certain types of surgeries, there may be different rules about what you cannot eat and drink on the days leading up to your surgery. Please follow your surgeon’s instructions.
• You will be told what foods and drinks you should not have after your surgery. This is based on your type of surgery and medical history.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before surgery.
• Foods high in protein help your body fight infection and stop muscle weakness. See a list of foods high in protein

Handwashing
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important things anyone can do to prevent infection. To ensure your surgical site is safe from infection, please wash your hands or use sanitizing hand gel before and after touching your surgical dressing, drains and IV, using the bathroom, and touching surfaces. Your care team will do the same.