I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is it normal?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op tt. My drains were removed yesterday.i have severe pain in left side of abdomen. It hurts when i walk and when i sit. Is this normal. I went to my surgeon today and he gave me ati biotics..he said just in case i had an infection. So worried something is very wrong. I feel like been kicked 2o times and like my organs are being squished. What can this be??

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is normal to experience some discomfort as your msucles and scars are adjusting.  If it continues then please follow up this week with your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question is no, it is not normal to have severe pain after drain removal,  Mild pain for a short period of time is not uncommon.  The fact that your drains were left in for three weeks (longer than typical) might also have something to do with it.  If your surgeon used non-fluted drains, it can be more traumatic to the tissue when removed after 3 weeks of healing.  My recommendation is to be patient.  The pain should resolve.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and I am sorry to hear about your abdominal pain after having your drains removed.  Some patients will have pain at the skin site that can be sore or burning.  This normally resolves within a day of the drains being removed.  Because your pain appears to be far worse than this, I would certainly be in touch with your surgeon to voice your concerns about such an acute change.  An in-person examination would help rule out possibilities like a fluid collection development or other issue.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual to have some pain in  the first day or so after a drain removal.  However, if the pain persists, or you note increasing swelling, redness, or a fever you should let your surgeon know, immediately.  It is possible that the drain removal caused some bruising/bleeding and with rest and local pressure may resolve on its own.  But keep your surgeon informed.  He/she will be the best one to treat and reassure you.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is it normal?

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Answer: I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is this normal?

Answer: I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is this normal?

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I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is it normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is this normal?

Answer: I have severe pain on left side of abdomen after drain removal. Is this normal?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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