Umbilical hernia repair issues - navel bleeds & drains more during menstrual cycles - advice?

Question

Hi. I had umbilical hernia repair a little over a year ago an earlier this year started having fluid and blood leaking from navel off and on. Went back to surgeon and he said that he couldn't see anything & that day it was draining bad. The PA and nurse saw it. Surgeon used mesh. It's a dark area in the middle of navel. Also for last few months when my menstrual cycle comes on my navel bleeds and drain more. Smell is really awful then. Have to keep cleaning navel off & on.

Roger Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Celebrated337449,
The differential for causes of this drainage from the umbilicus is fairly large. Causes include chronic suture abscess, mesh infection, draining urachal cyst, or even an endometrial implant (related to endometriosis). The dark color you mention as well as changes in your symptoms in relation to your menstrual cycle elevate my concern for a possible endometrial implant. That is unusual, but I have seen it multiple times in my practice. Have you a history of endometriosis or a laparoscopic hysterectomy?
My recommendation would be to have a CT scan of your abdomen with IV contrast to carefully evaluate the area. Surgical exploration is likely going to be required. The extent of that exploration would be determined based on CT findings. This could mean just evaluation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues or a more involved surgical procedure. 
I wish you the best of luck. 
-Dr. Smith

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Unfortunately, when you have a chronically draining wound, with a foreign body (Mesh) beneath it, the mesh is probably infected.   The foul odor is another indicator that this is probably the case as well.   The reason that you bleed more when you have your period is because your whole body is mildly anticoagulated when you have your period.  That is what allows your uterus to bleed.   The bad news  is, the mesh probably needs to be removed.   You could go back to the office when it is open and draining and ask them to culture the drainage so you know what bacteria is growing, then a course of antibiotics might solve the problem.  But, to be honest, the chance of the antibiotic solving it permanently is slim!

Umbilical hernia repair issues - navel bleeds & drains more during menstrual cycles - advice?

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Umbilical hernia repair issues - navel bleeds & drains more during menstrual cycles - advice?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Umbilical Hernia Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.