Umbilical Abscess from Ethibond Sutures?

Our office specializes in belly button revision surgery. The CT scan will clarify whether the cause is infectious or scar related. Both situations can be corrected. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

I would think that an abscess would have shown itself by now, but it could be a chronic granuloma (scar tissue) from the ethibond or it could be a hernia..the CT should help but  I have removed Ethibond sutures years later...They can work themselves up!!!

If an Ethibond or other permanent suture was used it could well be the source of your current problem. There are other possible sources, and the CT scan should identify any hernia recurrence or other anatomic problem. 

An infection at the site of a permanent suture is unusual this late after surgery, but does happen on occasion.

Thanks for the question, best wishes.

It is possible as Ethibond sutures are permanent and have a tendency to have these types of problems, even many years after surgery. It sounds like your doctor is on the right track.

Thank you for the question. I think you re on the right track. Getting the CT is a good start. However, it is difficult toaccept that this an abscess or infection that has been going for several years. Scar tissue, recurrent hernia or endometriosis nodule are all possible causes. Best wishes.