Post-operative wounds

- Fever in first 48 hours post-op unlikely to represent wound infection. Most important therapy for surgical site infections (SSIs) is to open the incision, drain pus, and continue dressing changes until wound heals by secondary intention. There is little evidence to support the use of antibiotics in mild SSIs.

- Cellulitis within 24 hours postoperatively usually due to Group A streptococci or Clostridium spp.