I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair and Lipo on 8-11-2014. I have Nicrosis and my PS just told me it would heal on it's own. I went on my own to me primary and she sent me to a Wound Care Clinic. I just found out that I have a heavy growth of Serratia Marcescens. Could you tell me how I got this and if it is dangerous? I am starting antibiotics today from the wound care clinic. I am feeling that my PS is not listening.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

if your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon.  he is very well trained in wound care. it looks like he did everything perfectly apprpriately  there is a difference between colonized and infected.  there are always bacteria in open wounds. they are never sterile.. the bacteria was not the issue in your wound healing.  it was blood supply.  it looks like your wound is now healing nicely. you may have  a slightly wider scar that could be revised at any time.  those t junctions can often be problematic

David Liland, MD · Answer

It is common to have wound healing problems in this area in Tummy Tucks. There is decreased vascular supply in this area leading to necrosis or death of the skin and fat underneath. Your PS did appropriately debride the area and started you on local wound care it appears as the wound has some pink tissue along with some necrotic tissue. With normal wound care it will close on its own as your plastic surgeon said. All open wounds are infected and will usually culture some bacteria. Your PC sent you to a wound clinic that have protocols such as culture every wound. Nothing really wrong with that. Take the antibiotics and do local wound care and the closure will occur most likely like your PS said. Keep your PS informed what you are doing differently. This is a very small wound and should do well.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

All open wounds are infected.  The infection and organism is not important unless it becomes invasive causing cellulitis and abscesses.  The serratia may have colonized the wound but is not likely the entire cause of the wound not healing.  In this area blood supply is a real challenge.  Conservative wound care will likely heal the area.  It just takes time.  Only treat the infection if it becomes invasive and you experience fever, chills and redness of the surrounding normal skin.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Any postoperative complication especially necrosis and wound infections are a concern for any surgeon. I am not quite sure why your chosen PS has deserted you as you indicate. Maybe you need a face to face discussion about his/her postoperative care. Otherwise you will become more and more angry. The type of infection is easily treatable with antibiotics and aggressive wound care...

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

It looks like you are having some healing problems at the location with 
the worst blood supply. This is not uncommon. Infections after a tummy tuck occur in less than 2% of patients, but 
when they occur, they can be very difficult to clear. Sometimes
 the antibiotic selected does not work against the bacteria causing the 
infection due to either an inadequate dose - or more often - the 
bacteria is resistant to the antibiotic selected. They have diagnosed the bacteria and you are now on directed antibiotic therapy. This is good.I suggest you follow the 
recommendations of your wound care center. There is always 
the possibility that further surgery is necessary. However, this is 
likely to heal with good local care. Good luck.

I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

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I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

Answer: I have Serratia Marcescens infection after tummy tuck. Is it dangerous, and how did I get it?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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