Terrible Smell from Openings in Insicion and Barely Open Belly Button, is this Normal?

asked 6 months ago by 0351_wife in Richmond, VA
Latest answer by Jonathan Saunders, MD
Question viewed 202 times
Tags: incision, infection, odor, smell

Many of you have been answering my questions lately and I'm so greatful! As you know, I currently have MRSA & Staph. I'm on bactrum, but I still hqave a fever and terrible drainage from openings in my insicion. Now my belly button which is almost completly closed is draining green fluid to. All the drainage I have has started to smell HORRIBLE! The belly button fluid smells like rotten fish & the insicion fluid smells like rotten flesh. Is this normal for infection or should it be checked out?

6 answers to Terrible Smell from Openings in Insicion and Barely Open Belly Button, is this Normal?

Mrsa

It sounds like you may need further treatment. it does not sound like you are improving as things are going now. see your surgeon. you may need an exploration or different antibiotics.

Jonathan Saunders, MD
Newark Plastic Surgeon

MRSA & Staph infection after tummy tuck

What you are describing is serious, particularly because you have a persistent fever and prurulent drainage. In such instances, debridement of the wound and drainage of what sounds like an abscess may be required. Additionally, many patients with MRSA require intravenous antibiotics. I know that this is the holiday season and no one wants to be hospitalized, but your condition may warrant it. You should make sure that your plastic surgeon will not be away over the holidays or, if so,... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Odor from infected incisions is NOT normal, even if on antibiotics.

By your description, your infection is not yet under control, and if your drainage or open incisions have not been cultured recently (to obtain sensitivities to multiple antibiotic choices), this needs to be done. Culture and sensitivities are critical to making sure your surgeon has you on the correct antibiotic coverage. This is particularly important with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staph Aureus), since many "regular antibiotics" don't work for this. In addition to... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

Infection after Tummy Tuck

Based on what you describe, you should be having regular follow-up by your plastic surgeon. If things are getting worse and you have a fever, notify the surgeon's office.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Infection and Odor after Abdominoplasty

At this point, it sounds like you have persistent undrained infection that continues to be a problem. Even if you are on the appropriate antibiotic, further surgery may be necessary to drain the abdomen and debride any necrotic tissue present. I would definitely followup with your surgeon again.

Donald Griffin, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Infection after Tummy Tuck?

I do remember your previous questions; I'm very sorry to hear about the complications you are experiencing. Yes, the odiferous drainage is most likely part of the same infectious process. the only other reason to be having this type of drainage is if you have unhealthy tissue (for example fat necrosis) that is gradually liquefying and draining. The most important thing in your situation is that you are being followed by a well experienced board-certified plastic... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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