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

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

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!