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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes E-coli On A Knee Replacement Surgery Wound?

My friend is in intensive care at the moment. She had a knee replacement op 3 weeks ago, and 1 week ago she became delirious and was sent to the hospital where they diagnosed septicaemia. Now they are saying she has E coli on her wound. How could this have happened?
Wed, 25 Feb 2015
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Thank you for your contact to health care magic.

I read and understand your concern.

I am Dr Arun Tank answering your concern.

This septicemia is post operative infection.

I suggest you to do blood culture and sensitivity.

Septicemia will show organisms in the blood, antibiotics sensitive to the bacteria should be taken. This will cure the infection at earliest.

E. coli is the bacteria which is present in the gastro intestinal tract and infection may occur following postoperative infection.

Your current approach is to take the antibiotics appropriatly. Maintain good hygiene locally that consist of good cleaning and dressing.

Dressing should be done with the good antispectic solution with dettol and betadine. After application of polysporin is also advised.

Avoid injury to the site of wound.

Please give complete rest to the infected joint.

I will be happy to answer your further concern on bit.ly/DrArun.

Thank you,
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist,
HCM.
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What Causes E-coli On A Knee Replacement Surgery Wound?

Hello dear, Thank you for your contact to health care magic. I read and understand your concern. I am Dr Arun Tank answering your concern. This septicemia is post operative infection. I suggest you to do blood culture and sensitivity. Septicemia will show organisms in the blood, antibiotics sensitive to the bacteria should be taken. This will cure the infection at earliest. E. coli is the bacteria which is present in the gastro intestinal tract and infection may occur following postoperative infection. Your current approach is to take the antibiotics appropriatly. Maintain good hygiene locally that consist of good cleaning and dressing. Dressing should be done with the good antispectic solution with dettol and betadine. After application of polysporin is also advised. Avoid injury to the site of wound. Please give complete rest to the infected joint. I will be happy to answer your further concern on bit.ly/DrArun. Thank you, Dr Arun Tank Infectious diseases specialist, HCM.