Leakage after drainage tubes removed. Is this normal?

Question

I had a abdominalplasty done on 2/27. I was having pain w/leakage with the tube on the left by day 6. I called my Dr on the 8th day (saturday) and advised of my discomfort. He had me come to his ofc that day. He said it was not infected and come back on Monday which he removed the tubes. Later that evening; the left side begin to ooze with bloody pus. Cld him today bcuz it wasn't stopping; he said go to the nearest E.R. they did a cultural of the site. What does this mean?

Eric A. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon at all to have leakage after the drains are removed, especially if there is a little redness around the site. If the area of concern is limited to the drain site, it should improve quickly after the drain is removed. However, if the incision is starting to turn red and you are having symptoms of a wound infection- this may be more serious. You need to be examined by a surgeon who has the clinical experience to differentiate between the two. Go see you r plastic surgeon.Eric Weiss MD

Kimberly Lu, MD · Answer

It is not possible to diagnose you without an in person physical exam.  The question needing to be answered is whether you have a drain site infection (usually redness and pain around the drain site itself), a seroma (body fluid accumulating under the abdominal skin, some of which may be coming out of the drain site), simply an unhealed drain site (which may have some scant drainage), or an infected seroma (abscess).  These are all treated differently.  Some of these things can make you quite ill and need expeditious treatment (same day).  Get in to see your surgeon ASAP.***Any information in the publications, messages, postings, articles on the website should not be considered a substitute for in person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to address individual medical needs. Your particular facts and circumstances will determine the plastic surgery treatment which is most appropriate for you.***

William A. Terranova, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no way for anyone to tell you without a better history and a direct physical exam what might be going on here.  It could be nothing but prolonged drainage which is not at all uncommon.  Or it could be something more serious like an infection--although this is much less likely.  Follow up with your surgeon to get the answers you wish to have!

Leakage after drainage tubes removed. Is this normal?

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Leakage after drainage tubes removed. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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