Hospitals can reduce the risk of infection after surgery by making sure they provide care that’s known to get the best results for most patients, including: Giving the recommended antibiotics at the right time before surgery; Stopping the antibiotics within the right timeframe after surgery; Maintaining the patient’s temperature and blood glucose (sugar) at normal levels; and Removing catheters that are used to drain the bladder in a timely manner after surgery. Hospitals can also reduce the risk of cardiac problems associated with surgery by: Making sure that certain prescription drugs are continued in the time before, during, and just after the surgery. This includes drugs used to control heart rhythms and blood pressure. Giving drugs that prevent blood clots and using other methods such as special stockings that increase circulation in the legs. What You Need to KnowThe graph shows how often Sentara hospitals perform overall for recommended measures for surgical patients. Higher percentages are better Compare to U.S. Average or Top 10 percent in U.S. Small differences in numbers or percentages may not be significant due to differences in total patient volumes between hospitals The quality measures are part of a national initiative by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations. See these measures for other hospitals by going to HospitalCompare.