What to do if there is an infection after appendicitis surgery
Nov 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, the main treatments for postoperative infection after appendectomy include wound care, antibiotic therapy, drainage management, nutritional support, and symptomatic treatment. If signs of infection occur after surgery, prompt medical attention is required to prevent worsening of the condition. During the postoperative recovery period, patients should closely monitor the surgical wound and their overall condition. If symptoms such as increased redness and swelling at the incision site or persistent fever develop, medical evaluation is necessary.
Generally, the main treatments for postoperative infection after appendectomy include wound care, antibiotic therapy, drainage management, nutritional support, and symptomatic treatment. If signs of infection appear after surgery, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent worsening of the condition. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Wound Care
The surgical incision should be kept clean and dry after surgery, with sterile dressings changed regularly. If redness, swelling, or discharge occurs at the incision site, healthcare professionals should clean the area with normal saline to remove purulent secretions, followed by disinfection with iodophor to prevent further bacterial growth. Proper cleaning and disinfection reduce local bacterial load, create a sterile environment conducive to wound healing, and prevent the spread of infection.
2. Antibiotic Therapy
After infection occurs, antibiotics should be used according to medical advice to control inflammation. Commonly used medications include ceftriaxone sodium for injection, metronidazole injection, and levofloxacin tablets. Antibiotics can specifically kill or inhibit bacteria causing the infection, reduce inflammatory responses, relieve symptoms such as fever and incision pain, and prevent the infection from spreading to the abdominal cavity or becoming systemic.
3. Drainage Management
If an abscess forms beneath the incision or fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, drainage procedures are required, such as placing a drainage tube or drain strip. Drainage helps remove pus and accumulated fluid from the body, reduces local infection pressure, limits nutrient supply for bacterial proliferation, promotes resolution of inflammation, and prevents persistent worsening that could lead to more serious complications.
4. Nutritional Support
Nutritional demands increase during infection. Patients should enhance their diet with protein- and vitamin-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, and fresh vegetables. Protein supports tissue repair and wound healing, while vitamins boost immune resistance and assist in fighting infection, providing essential energy for recovery.
5. Symptomatic Treatment
If fever accompanies the infection, physical cooling methods or antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen tablets (as directed by a physician) may be used. For significant incision pain, pain relief can be achieved under medical guidance using medications like ibuprofen sustained-release capsules. Symptomatic treatment alleviates patient discomfort, improves well-being, and helps patients better comply with treatment and rest requirements.
During the postoperative recovery period, patients should closely monitor the condition of the incision and their overall health. Immediate medical attention is needed if symptoms such as increased redness and swelling of the incision, persistent fever, or worsening abdominal pain occur. Additionally, patients must complete the full course of treatment as prescribed and should not discontinue or reduce medication on their own to avoid recurrence of infection. Daily rest is important; strenuous activities should be avoided to minimize tension on the incision and promote smooth recovery of both the body and the surgical wound.
