How do I "test" to know if the muscle repair work is still intact?

Question

About 6 days after surgery, I choked while drinking and while coughing I felt a stitch pop, followed by a burning sensation that lasted a few minutes. I called my doctor and he said he put double the amount of stitches needed, and to not worry about it. My question now is: How do I "test" to know if the muscle repair still intact? What are the symptoms/signs for a "undone" muscle repair work? How can I make sure the muscles didn't separate again? I freaked out. Thank you!

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Maru,   Front and side view pictures would have been helpful and sorry for your freaking out. The abdominal  muscles repair, is done with multiple very strong permanent sutures and I can't  imagine that coughing will break the repair or even stretch it.    I do not know if you wear an abdominal binder, but my patients do and it is an additional  helps to protect the abdomen from situation like the one that you described.  In any event, if the stomach was flat after surgery and is bulging now, there might be a connection to coughing spell. In that case, it is a good idea to wear the abdominal binder 24/7 , to allow the scar between the muscles to tighten up and strengthen.    With all that said, call your surgeon's office and make a follow up appointment , for your peace of mind. Though, I feel that the whole event was just a muscle pull, without any long term consequences.                        All the best,                                              Dr Widder

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should follow up with your doc.  The muscle repair should not be "tested" .  AN exam would be helpful.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I would not "test" the repair. I would recommend you see your surgeon for an examination. It time it will become clearer if any disruption to the repair occurred. There is no true benefit to testing the repair, and if slightly stretched, you could further separate the repair.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question. From what you have described, it is unlikely that you broke a suture and compromised the muscle repair. There is no way to test the rectus muscle repair so the best option is to follow-up closely with your plastic surgeon to ensure that your recovery process goes smoothly. Good luck with your recovery and all the best.

Amit Gupta, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

HelloPlease trust your doctor on this, Stiches dont break so easily. He is right, and he knows best for you. Pleas do not attempt to do any tests, lest you actually damage themLet the healing proceed on its ownDr Amit Gupta

How do I "test" to know if the muscle repair work is still intact?

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