The death of Rebecca De Paula, a decorated New York City police officer, has drawn renewed attention to one of the most serious risks associated with surgery: postoperative infections. The case has also renewed conversations about the importance of understanding potential surgical complications, particularly for patients traveling abroad for elective procedures. Medical experts note that postoperative infections are among the most significant complications following surgery. Treatment for severe surgical-site infections may include intravenous antibiotics, additional surgery to remove infected tissue or drain fluid collections, and supportive hospital care. As a result, it remains important to distinguish the general medical risks associated with postoperative infections from the specific circumstances that authorities continue to review.