Surgical Site Infection Prevention

At the Pre-Op Appointment

We may do a test to see if your child has MRSA (we say “mer-sah”).

• MRSA is an organism that can cause infections after surgery.
• If your child needs this we will swab your child’s nose and have the swab tested by the lab.
• If your child does have MRSA, we will make a note of that and we will give your child a drug called Vancomycin before and after surgery to help prevent infection. Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat MRSA.

You may be given some special wipes or soap.

• These wipes have chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in them. CHG is a topical antiseptic – it cleans the skin and will reduce the chance that your child will get an infection after surgery.
• The CHG cleans the top two layers of skin. It does not get absorbed into the body. They are safe to use.
• You need to use these wipes or soap carefully. You will be given instructions on how to use them.
• Do not open the CHG wipes until you are ready to use them.

PLEASE: Do NOT touch the eyes, ears, mouth or genitals with the CHG wipes.

The Night Before Surgery

• Have your child take a shower or a bath.
• If you received the wipes and soap please use them the night before and not the
  morning of your child’s procedure.

The Day of Surgery

• We will take your child’s temperature. In fact, we will watch your child’s temperature closely. A normal temperature can help reduce the chance that your
  child will have an infection after surgery. Your child will be given a warm blanket or a special warming blanket to help keep them warm.
• We will give you CHG wipes to use in the pre-op area. (Please ask the nurses if you have not received them.)