I have had 6 surgeries: C-section, Tubal ligation, Umbilical hernia repair, major abdominoplasty, and Liposuction, which were done 8 1/2 - 9 years ago; and Lapiscopic surgery which was done 3 years ago. Since the Lapiscopic surgery, I still experience pain and smelly discharge directly behind my navel. Is it possible that there may be something terribly wrong that the last surgeon may have missed or maybe caused? Please help!
Answer: Umbilical discharge Shelly, I can't believe that you are walking around with a malodorous discharge from your belly button for THREE years. This fact makes it likely that the problem is relatively contained and localized to your umbilical area, otherwise you would be very sick. The most likely cause is a non absorbable suture (stitch), left in from the hernia repair or LAPAROSCOPIC surgery or mesh material, which is sometimes placed to repair an umbilical hernia. See your hernia surgeon if he/she is still practicing. If not, try to obtain a copy of your operative record from the hospital or facility at which you had the hernia surgery and see another hernia surgeon or board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Umbilical discharge Shelly, I can't believe that you are walking around with a malodorous discharge from your belly button for THREE years. This fact makes it likely that the problem is relatively contained and localized to your umbilical area, otherwise you would be very sick. The most likely cause is a non absorbable suture (stitch), left in from the hernia repair or LAPAROSCOPIC surgery or mesh material, which is sometimes placed to repair an umbilical hernia. See your hernia surgeon if he/she is still practicing. If not, try to obtain a copy of your operative record from the hospital or facility at which you had the hernia surgery and see another hernia surgeon or board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Foreign body is likely Given the number of surgeries, it is likely that there are some permanent material left behind which may be causing your signs and symptoms. If mesh was used in repair of the hernia, that may also be the culprit. Consult with your general or plastic surgeon to evaluate the problem. Good luck.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Foreign body is likely Given the number of surgeries, it is likely that there are some permanent material left behind which may be causing your signs and symptoms. If mesh was used in repair of the hernia, that may also be the culprit. Consult with your general or plastic surgeon to evaluate the problem. Good luck.
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October 8, 2017
Answer: Smelly Belly Button after multiple surgeries. Given all the surgeries in the area, I completly agree with the other surgeons comments. Having had multiple surgeries in the area, you probably have permanent stitches layered over permanent stitches. Removal of these is usually straightforward and resolves the problem. If your umbilical hernia was repaired with mesh, This could also be infected which may be slightly more complex. You may want to try a short course of antibitics and antifungal agents. I tend to use bactroban followed by lotrimin. Neosporin or triple antibitocs are generally useless. Topical cleansings with half strength hydrogen peroxide can be useful if performed twice a day. If this lasts more than 3 weeks than it is not likely to improve without further evaluation. Seek a surgeon who may advise a CT scan but don't proceed to surgery without consulting your other surgeons who may have recommendations or advice.
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CONTACT NOW October 8, 2017
Answer: Smelly Belly Button after multiple surgeries. Given all the surgeries in the area, I completly agree with the other surgeons comments. Having had multiple surgeries in the area, you probably have permanent stitches layered over permanent stitches. Removal of these is usually straightforward and resolves the problem. If your umbilical hernia was repaired with mesh, This could also be infected which may be slightly more complex. You may want to try a short course of antibitics and antifungal agents. I tend to use bactroban followed by lotrimin. Neosporin or triple antibitocs are generally useless. Topical cleansings with half strength hydrogen peroxide can be useful if performed twice a day. If this lasts more than 3 weeks than it is not likely to improve without further evaluation. Seek a surgeon who may advise a CT scan but don't proceed to surgery without consulting your other surgeons who may have recommendations or advice.
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December 12, 2008
Answer: Go see your surgeon Shelly, You should not have "smelly discharge" three years after surgery. The likelihood of of something "terribly wrong." is very low, since it has been three years and you are otherwise fine. However, there may be a low-grade injection or foreign body and retained suture at the base of your umbilicus which may be causing chronic irritation. You need to go see your surgeon and have a thorough examination to determine what is going on. Good Luck. David Shafer, MD Manhattan
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CONTACT NOW December 12, 2008
Answer: Go see your surgeon Shelly, You should not have "smelly discharge" three years after surgery. The likelihood of of something "terribly wrong." is very low, since it has been three years and you are otherwise fine. However, there may be a low-grade injection or foreign body and retained suture at the base of your umbilicus which may be causing chronic irritation. You need to go see your surgeon and have a thorough examination to determine what is going on. Good Luck. David Shafer, MD Manhattan
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May 21, 2010
Answer: Smelly Belly Button Drainage MUST be investigated
Drainage 3 years after surgery is abnormal. Smelly drainage is more worrisome implying bacterial involvement. You really should go back and see the last (laparoscopic) surgeon. The most likely cause would be exposed suture or permanent material used in hernia repair.
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May 21, 2010
Answer: Smelly Belly Button Drainage MUST be investigated
Drainage 3 years after surgery is abnormal. Smelly drainage is more worrisome implying bacterial involvement. You really should go back and see the last (laparoscopic) surgeon. The most likely cause would be exposed suture or permanent material used in hernia repair.
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