Why Did my Liver Function Decrease After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Question

About 3 weeks after my tummy tuck and breast reshaping I felt very ill. A liver function blood test was taken because I had yellowing of the eyes and skin. They tested for all Hepetitas which was negative, but liver numbers were too high and I felt very ill. I had blood work done prior to surgery and my numbers were fine. What could cause this to happen? I have been told a reaction to antibiotic, but I believe my drain tube was left in too long.(3 weeks) It had yellowish stuff growing in it

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I have had occasion to observe a similar elevation of liver enzymes in 2 patients who underwent cosmetic surgery who ultimately underwent extensive testing including liver biopsies and were similarly diagnosed with an adverse antibiotic reaction. So I beleive it does happen but is generally rare.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

From your description it sounds like you had inflammation of the liver , Hepatitis. When the liver if inflammed its main product, bile, used in our digestion, does not empty properly into the intestine and ends up in the blood stream where it changes the color of skin, eyes and even urine to yellow/green. The duration of blockage will determine the intensity of color.

ANYTHING that causes swelling of the liver or the biliary ducts (IE inflammation of the pancreas) can give rise to this picture. MOST commonly it is caused by viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, D etc), by certain medication, by stones blocking the bile duct opening, by pancreatitis erc. 

I have NEVER seen nor heard of a hepatitis caused by the actual surgical technique of a Tummy Tuck or a drain. It does not happen. When you recover you may want to be worked up for gall stones which may be the commonest explanation although a reaction to the anesthesia gas or any of the medication is possible but not as likely.

 Dr. Peter A Aldea

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