What Is Surgery for MRSA ?

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a common organism. In fact, almost 1 percent of the population are carriers, according to ABC news. It is difficult to treat, because it is resistant to many antibiotics. While infections may be mild and treated with an antibiotic such as vancomycin, linezolid or daptomycin some become serious and can be life-threatening.

Drainage

• One type of surgery for MRSA infections is a procedure to drain wounds that cannot heal by treatment with antibiotics alone. A particular type of MRSA that is being seen in increasing numbers in pediatric patients is bone infections, and treatment includes surgical drainage of the bone.

Effects

• In some instances, treatment with antibiotics is not sufficient and surgery is performed to remove affected tissue. How much tissue must be removed depends on the severity of the MRSA infection and how well the patient is responding to treatment.

Time Frame

• Sometimes a MRSA infection appears responsive to antibiotic treatment, but then recurs. A more intensive approach may be required at that point, including surgery.

Warning

• Of course one of the most severe outcomes for a MRSA infection is when it becomes a flesh-eating bacteria. Although still rare, it is possible, and often results in amputation of a limb to avoid the spread to other parts of the body.

Benefits

• While surgery to treat MRSA may be frightening or daunting to the patient, it should be considered that MRSA is a dangerous infection and without proper and prompt treatment, can result in organ failure or death.