Should Metal Clamps Be Left Inside After a Tummy Tuck Surgery? (photo)

Question

My doctor explained that I have about ten metal clamps left inside. These clamps are used on veins during surgery. Why was this necessary? I developed a navel infection and the metal clamp came out if the infected area.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry. It is not uncommon for surgeons to use small metal "clips" on small blood vessels instead of suture. I personally like to use silk suture. Sorry they are spitting, but sutures unfortunately can spit as well. Good luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

These small metal clips or nothing to be worried about. There used to secure blood vessels and have no long-term effects.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The small clips you show are meant to secure blood vessels and prevent bleeding and are quite normal to have in after a tummy tuck. Are they necessary, no but some surgeons choose to use them. They are not a cause of infection.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, these are normally used in surgery and are meant to be left in place. It is unlikely that they caused an infection.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Some surgeons elect to use small metal clips to secure the perforating blood vessels encountered during an abdminoplasty. These are call ligaclips and are frequently used in vascular and general surgery. There is no harm in using these clips and they will show up on an X ray. The clip can act like a foreign body and this is why it extruded from your umbilical scar.

Raymond A. Faires, MD (retired) · Answer

The use of metal clips (ligaclips or hemoclips) are quick and effective ways to ligate larger vessels that might bleed with cautery alone. They are not a cause of infection. Any foreign material (including sutures) may surface in response to the body's natural healing process. The belly button can be a problematic area of healing, but should close down and heal with local wound care. If there is fever, redness, or persisting drainage, contact your surgeon for assistance.

Should Metal Clamps Be Left Inside After a Tummy Tuck Surgery? (photo)

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