Surgery for Infections After Stem Cell or Organ Transplants

If a bacterial infection after a stem cell or organ transplant has damaged the body’s soft tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and fat, or has invaded the muscles, NYU Langone specialists can surgically clean it.

Wound drainage is the main surgical treatment for bacterial skin infections. It involves making a small incision into the sore to drain the pus that has collected there. Many times, the procedure is painless and does not require a local anesthetic. Most people take an antibiotic or antifungal medication after the procedure to destroy any remaining bacteria.

For a bacterial infection that occurs at the site of a device or prosthetic, such as an intravenous line, artificial heart valve, pacemaker, or artificial joints, doctors often must remove the device and clean the infected area. This commonly requires surgery.

Other common sites of infection, such as infections of the joints or bones, may need surgery to remove the affected tissue.