Causes

• Infection following surgery can be caused by a reaction to the metals used in the surgical staples. Additionally, infections can come about due to improper care of the wound, tainted materials in the operating room or many other sources.
  
  

Identification

• As with any infection, detecting when an infection becomes established near a site where surgical staples have been used can be seen visibly, felt physically and detected by a doctor's staff. A wound that is red, puffy and not healing may be infected. A patient who is suffering from an infection due to a problem post-surgery will often feel ill and could possibly develop a fever as the body attempts to fight off an infection.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for post-operation infection varies on a case-by-case basis, but often the proper treatment is a course of antibiotics and proper wound care.
  
  

Prevention

• Preventing infection is the easiest way to avoid possible complications after surgery. Be sure to wash your hands often, especially if they are anywhere near the wound. Keep the wound as clean as possible within the guidelines your doctor has advised. Take any and all antibiotics prescribed to you.
  
  

Considerations

• Surgical staples are often considered superior to traditional sutures because of their greater closing power and other factors. If, however, you are allergic to nickel, discuss with your doctor prior to surgery the options available to you regarding closing the wound. While the amount of nickel in surgical steel staples is relatively low, it may be high enough to provoke a reaction, which may in turn spark an infection.