Post-Surgery Concerns: Infection or Other Complications?
Greetings! I’m a 24-year-old woman who recently experienced wound dehiscence following a laparoscopic procedure for cyst removal. Approximately five days ago, the surgical site was restitched after it was assessed to be 5 cm deep, and I was prescribed a course of antibiotics due to a CRP level of 45. During the revision, only the edges of the wound were cleaned before being stitched again. Lately, I’ve noticed an increase in pain at the site. On my usual walk yesterday, I experienced some shortness of breath, which felt different from before. The healthcare team advised me to return if I developed a fever; however, I am currently managing the discomfort by taking 4 grams of paracetamol daily. I’ve observed that two out of the three stitches have become buried beneath the skin. Whenever there’s movement in that area, I notice small amounts of pus are released. Additionally, there has been a change in color at the wound site—it appears to be more purple or blue than it did previously. For reference, I stand 176 cm tall, weigh 70 kg, do not smoke, and am currently taking pregabalin.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 11:01:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging recovery, and your concerns about potential complications following your surgery are very valid. The combination of increasing pain, changes in the appearance of your wound, and the presence of pus could suggest infection or other complications that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Explanation
Wound dehiscence, particularly after a surgical procedure, can sometimes lead to complications such as infection, particularly if pus is present and the wound is showing unusual discoloration. The increase in pain and the change in color at the surgical site are signals that your body might be responding to an infection or inflammation. Shortness of breath during activity might also indicate that you may be experiencing additional complications, especially if it's different from your usual experience.
Antibiotics are essential in managing any potential infection, and it's crucial to monitor the situation closely. The sensation of buried stitches could suggest a complication with how the wound is healing.
Next Steps
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Immediate Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your temperature. If you develop a fever (usually considered 100.4°F or higher), seek medical attention right away.
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Wound Care: Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water as recommended, and avoid applying additional pressure or friction that can irritate the area. If pus continues to emerge, note the characteristics (amount, color, smell).
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Pain Management: While you are taking paracetamol, ensure that you are following the dosage guidelines. As it’s crucial to manage pain effectively, consider discussing with your healthcare provider if your pain worsens or isn't controlled with your current regimen.
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Limit Activities: Minimize physical activities that involve the abdominal area to reduce strain on the wound. If walking causes shortness of breath or increased pain, prioritize rest.
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Plan to Check In: Given the symptoms you're experiencing, plan to contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss your symptoms, especially the pain, suspected infection, and changes to the wound. Having a checkup may be warranted even if a fever doesn't develop, as the change in wound appearance and other symptoms could require sooner reassessment.
By addressing these symptoms quickly and carefully, you'll be on a better path toward healing. Please keep yourself informed about how you're feeling, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.
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