Concerns About Possible Infection After Laparoscopic Surgery
On June 23rd, I (31F) underwent a laparoscopy to address some pelvic complications, which included an ovarian cyst removal and a minor excision for endometriosis. I had a follow-up consultation with my surgeon this past Tuesday, and he assured me that everything appeared to be in excellent condition. However, I began to experience some troubles on Wednesday night, as I noticed a small amount of blood oozing from the incision site. It wasn't a significant amount, but it raised some concerns for me. After cleaning the area with hydrogen peroxide, I noticed a shift in symptoms by the following evening when the discharge changed to a greenish-yellow color. I again treated it with peroxide and applied a layer of Neosporin. Tonight, I'm feeling increased burning sensations at the site, although the oozing seems to have diminished, with only clear fluid present. However, the overall appearance of the wound is quite alarming to me. Should I be worried about this situation, or is it manageable with home care?
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 1:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes at your surgical incision site after laparoscopic surgery. Here’s a summary of your situation and the potential actions you can take.
Key Points:
You're experiencing a change in your incision site with increasing discomfort and a shift in the discharge's color. While some changes are normal during healing, the presence of greenish-yellow discharge and increasing symptoms can indicate an infection.
Explanation:
After surgery, the body goes through a healing process, and it's common for some discharge and mild discomfort to occur. However, the greenish-yellow color could suggest pus, which often indicates an infection. The burning sensation also raises a concern that should be addressed.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Cleaning: Gently clean the incision site with saline solution or mild soap and water. Avoid hydrogen peroxide as it can be harsh on healing tissue. Pat it dry with a clean cloth.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the following signs:
- Increased redness or swelling around the incision
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Changes in discharge (more pus or blood)
Make note of any worsening symptoms.
-
Keep it Covered: If the wound is open, you may cover it with a sterile bandage after cleaning. Change the bandage daily or when it becomes wet or soiled.
-
Pain Management: If you're experiencing discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the dosage instructions on the packaging.
-
Consider Contacting a Healthcare Provider: Given the symptoms you’ve described, particularly the color of the discharge and the burning sensation, it's a good idea to reach out to your surgeon or healthcare provider. They may suggest a follow-up examination to assess for infection and determine if further treatment is necessary (e.g., antibiotic therapy).
Reassurance:
It’s normal to feel anxious about potential complications, but by monitoring your symptoms and taking appropriate care of the incision site, you are taking proactive steps. If at any point the symptoms worsen or change unexpectedly, don't hesitate to seek medical help. You are not alone in this recovery process, and it's crucial to advocate for your health.
Related Questions
[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!
Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal
I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.
Concerns About Changes in Partner's Semen Consistency
At 19 years old, I’m seeking some insights regarding a situation. My girlfriend, who is also 19, has experienced a noteworthy change in her semen consistency during our intimate encounters over the last two to three weeks. To provide some background, she stands at 5 feet 5.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Her ethnicity is Caucasian, and she is from Canada. Historically, my girlfriend has been in good health without any significant medical conditions. Currently, she is not taking any medications. Previously, she had a history of frequent vaping, but that was about a year ago, and now she limits it to occasional use. The change in her semen is quite striking; it appears very thick, white, and somewhat chunky, rather than being mostly liquid. There are some liquid components, but the thick texture predominates. Throughout this period, she has maintained her regular diet, and importantly, there are no signs of a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease. Neither does she experience any pain or unusual odors. This alteration has raised some concerns for her, and while I am trying to be supportive, I am uncertain about the potential causes. We searched online for explanations, but the reactions we found mostly related to digital sources that discussed various infections or medical conditions, none of which seemed to match her symptoms. Does anyone have insights or similar experiences regarding this matter? It would be appreciated in easing her worries and determining the best course of action.
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.