Pain and Smelly Discharge 3 Years After Several Surgeries

Shelly,
I can't believe that you are walking around with a malodorous discharge from your belly button for THREE years. This fact makes it likely that the problem is relatively contained and localized to your umbilical area, otherwise you would be very sick. The most likely cause is a non absorbable suture (stitch), left in from the hernia repair or LAPAROSCOPIC surgery or mesh material, which is sometimes placed to repair an umbilical hernia. See your hernia surgeon if he/she is still practicing. If not, try to obtain a copy of your operative record from the hospital or facility at which you had the hernia surgery and see another hernia surgeon or board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Given the number of surgeries, it is likely that there are some permanent material left behind which may be causing your signs and symptoms. If mesh was used in repair of the hernia, that may also be the culprit. Consult with your general or plastic surgeon to evaluate the problem. Good luck.

Given all the surgeries in the area, I completly agree with the other surgeons comments.
Having had multiple surgeries in the area, you probably have permanent stitches layered over permanent stitches. Removal of these is usually straightforward and resolves the problem.
If your umbilical hernia was repaired with mesh, This could also be infected which may be slightly more complex.
You may want to try a short course of antibitics and antifungal agents. I tend to use bactroban followed by lotrimin. Neosporin or triple antibitocs are generally useless.
Topical cleansings with half strength hydrogen peroxide can be useful if performed twice a day.
If this lasts more than 3 weeks than it is not likely to improve without further evaluation.
Seek a surgeon who may advise a CT scan but don't proceed to surgery without consulting your other surgeons who may have recommendations or advice.