Volume XI Number 9

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West Georgia Multi-Specialty Clinic, P.C.


As general surgeons and OB-GYN physicians here at West Georgia Multi Specialty Clinic, we take great care to prevent postoperative wound infections in our surgical patients. We very rarely see wound infections from surgery procedures, but a common problem in our area is another form of Staph infection better known as community-acquired methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus(Ca-MRSA). This has become a prevalent problem and is exacerbated in areas where there is close contact with others - such as in locker rooms or workout areas. Community-acquired MRSA is different from hospital-acquired MRSA simply because it is contracted in the community setting. Most people describe a red spot, which they attribute to be a bug bite, although it is not. This extends to a wider area causing cellulitis, which many times will become an abscess. The problem can be seen in many areas of the body and includes the young and old, the rich and poor, and crosses all racial boundaries. People who are susceptible to this type of infection are those who make direct contact with someone who has infected skin from a MRSA; by way of personal items such as towels, wash cloths, or athletic equipment of someone who has MRSA; or being in a crowded are where germs are easily spread such as in nursing homes, day care facilities, or college dorms.

Treatment of MRSA is recommended if you have an active infection. Washing the skin with an antibacterial agent such as Dial soap is one way to reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin. If you are currently using Dial soap and have an infection, Hibiclens or pHizo-Hex soap is recommended. The other way to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin is to take a tub bath with a capful of bleach in the water. If the infection is simply cellulitis, we initially prescribe a sulfa-type drug such as Bactrim. If Bactrim does not clear the infection, we will add Clindamycin. If it continues, then a more expensive oral form of antibiotic such as Zyvox will be given. If this does not clear the infection, the patient is admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. If the cellulitis becomes an abscess, then it will need to be drained in order for the antibiotic to be effective.

If you have a MRSA infection within your household, there are some things you can do to reduce its spread. Changing the sheets and pillow cases on all of the beds, washing the laundry in warm or hot water using bleach whenever possible, and cleaning cabinets with an appropriate cleaner such as a bleach solution consisting of one tablespoon of bleach mixed with one quart of water in a spray bottle. After this, people with active infections should keep their sores covered to prevent spreading and avoid direct contact.

The most important thing for an MRSA infection is to get the antibiotic started early-on to treat cellulitis before it forms an abscess. If it does form an abscess, it is important to have it drained so that the antibiotic can work.

West Georgia Multi Specialty is pleased to announce our move to a new location at 106 West Lukken Industrial Drive (just up from the Milliken Design Center) at the end of June, 2008. This will allow more room in an updated building to make your visit more pleasurable. We will still provide the same broad range of treatments for cancer and general surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology needs. Our services include advanced laparoscopic surgery, hysterectomies, hernia repairs, tubal ligations, diagnostic evaluations and gallbladder problems. Comprehensive cancer care is provided for colon, breast, ovarian, uterine, thyroid and other tumors. Pediatric care includes; surgical treatment of inguinal hernias, pyloric stenosis, and intussusceptions as well as additional gynecological care. Complete skin care is provided by surgical removal skin cancers, moles, skin tags and cysts with a strong emphasis on ensuring a good cosmetic outcome. Comprehensive women’s health care is provided along with full prenatal and post delivery care, annual pap smears, breast examinations, yearly lab analysis and other issues pertaining to female needs including OB & GYN ultrasounds as needed.

West Georgia Multi Specialty Clinic has two Board Certified general surgeons, Dr. Madhav Naik and Dr. Paul Major; both fellows in American College of Surgeons, also a Board Certified Obstetrics and Gynecology surgeon, Dr. Madhavi Naik, fellow in American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

We will gladly see you for any general surgery or gynecology/obstetrical needs. For appointments call 706/882-8128.