After surgery, it’s normal to feel tired, sore or uncomfortable for a while. You may also notice some swelling or tenderness around the incision as your body starts healing.
But what happens when healing doesn’t seem to be going as expected?
Sometimes, an infection can develop after surgery. Most infections can be treated when caught early, but a serious infection can sometimes cause sepsis (1), a condition in which the body has an extreme response to an infection.
Let's understand the warning signs so you can recognize when something isn't a normal part of recovery.
What Causes Sepsis After Surgery
The process may look something like this:
Infection develops → infection worsens or spreads → the body mounts an extreme response → organs may become affected → sepsis
After an operation, there are several ways a patient can become infected. During surgery, a medical team breaks the skin and, in some cases, works inside the body. Although medical teams take as many precautions against infection as possible, infection is still a possibility.
Some possible sources include:
1. SSI
When a surgical site becomes infected, it can include the area of skin, deeper tissues and even organs or implanted material (2). An infection can get worse and if not treated in time, it can lead to sepsis.
2. Pneumonia
Patients who have undergone major surgery often spend a lot of time in bed after the surgery and may have a hard time taking deep breaths due to pain or other reasons that increase their risk of a lung infection.
3. Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary catheter is commonly used during some surgeries or hospital stays. Catheters can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. A urinary infection can sometimes spread and become a serious systemic infection.
4. Abdominal/Internal Infections
Certain surgeries put the patient at risk for an abdominal infection that can become serious and require immediate treatment.
5. Infections Around Medical Devices
Infections can sometimes develop around a drain, IV line or other medical devices that may have been implanted during surgery. The exact cause depends on the type of surgery, the patient's health and the infection involved.
Symptoms of Sepsis After Surgery
Identifying sepsis after surgery is often difficult because early symptoms may be the same as some normal post-op symptoms. Some degree of fatigue and pain after surgery is expected. But symptoms that are severe, suddenly worse or accompanied by signs of infection deserve further medical attention.
Possible signs of sepsis include:
- Fever or feeling unusually cold
- Very rapid/weak pulse
- Trouble breathing/shortness of breath
- Changes in mental status
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Very low or high body temperature
- Significant weakness or feeling suddenly much more unwell
- Urinating less than expected
- Redness, swelling, pain, drainage or other changes to the wound
How Long After Surgery Does Sepsis Occur
There is no universal deadline. Some infections develop within days, while others become apparent later in recovery.
|
Time after surgery |
What can happen |
|
First 24-48 hours |
Pain, tiredness, swelling and tenderness can be part of normal early recovery. A sudden or severe change, however, deserves attention. |
|
Days 3-7 |
A postoperative infection may become more noticeable during this period. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, pain, fever or chills can be warning signs. |
|
Week 2 and beyond |
Certain infections or complications can appear later. New wound problems, fever, increasing weakness, abdominal symptoms or breathing problems should be discussed with your healthcare provider. |
|
At any point after surgery |
A serious infection can sometimes progress to sepsis. Symptoms may include confusion, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, very little urine, clammy skin or a sudden decline in overall condition. |
Can an Infection Cause Excessive Inflammation
Yes. An infection can cause the body to respond with excessive inflammation.
Inflammation is normally a helpful part of your immune response. When your body recognizes an infection, it sends immune cells and other substances to the affected area to fight the germs and protect the surrounding tissue.
The problem occurs when this response becomes too strong or spreads beyond the original site of infection. Instead of staying focused on the area of infection, the inflammatory response can affect tissues and organs throughout the body. This can contribute to the organ dysfunction seen in sepsis.
Learn How to Reduce Inflammation After Surgery.
Support recovery by managing inflammation
HealFast Post-Op Formula contains ingredients including bromelain and quercetin, which support a healthy inflammatory response during recovery. It also provides nutrients that support normal tissue repair and immune function.
Who Is More at Risk for Sepsis After Surgery
Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain factors can increase the risk of serious infection or complications.
|
Patient-related factors |
Surgery or hospital-related factors |
|
Older age |
Emergency surgery |
|
Diabetes |
Complicated or extensive surgery |
|
Weakened immune system |
Recent hospitalization |
|
Cancer |
Longer hospital stay |
|
Lung disease |
Use of urinary catheters |
|
Kidney disease |
IV lines, drains or other medical devices |
|
Other chronic health conditions |
Certain postoperative complications |
Related Articles:
What Happens If You Don't Care for a Surgical Wound Properly
Why Is Rest Important After Surgery
Is Fasting Before Surgery Necessary
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Infection After Surgery
1. Wash your hands before and after touching your surgical wound
2. Follow your surgeon’s wound-care instructions
3. Avoid spoiled or undercooked food
4. Take your medications as prescribed
5. Watch for changes in pain, redness, swelling or drainage
References:
1. Cleveland Clinic. (2026, February 18). Sepsis: Symptoms, causes, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12361-sepsis
2. Rezaei, A. R., Zienkiewicz, D., & Rezaei, A. R. (2025). Surgical site infections: A comprehensive review. Journal of Trauma and Injury, 38(2), 71–81. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12229807/
