Glossary/Recovery & Rehabilitation

Surgical Site Infection.

An infection that develops at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of the operation, or within a year if an implant is placed. Deep sternal wound infection (mediastinitis) is a serious complication of open-heart surgery.

Definition

What is surgical site infection?

An infection that develops at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of the operation, or within a year if an implant is placed. Deep sternal wound infection (mediastinitis) is a serious complication of open-heart surgery.

Related Terms

Related glossary terms.

Wound Care
Post-surgical care of the incision site to prevent infection and promote healing. Involves keepin...
Sternotomy
A surgical incision through the breastbone (sternum) to access the heart and major blood vessels....
Sternal Precautions
Activity restrictions following a sternotomy to protect the healing breastbone. Typically include...
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