OpenHealth Q&A

Struggles with Persistent Fluid Leakage from Surgical Site

I am a 42-year-old woman, standing at 5’1” and weighing 135 pounds. I belong to the white demographic and have been dealing with a troubling issue for four and a half months now. I underwent laparoscopic surgery to address an ovarian cyst and conduct a uterine ablation around four months ago, but my belly button incision is proving to be a significant nightmare. Despite my hopes, this incision shows no signs of healing and continually oozes fluid daily. Here’s a timeline of my experience: 1. **Surgery Date: May 13, 2025** – I had a substantial ovarian cyst removed which posed risks of torsion, alongside a uterine ablation and removal of my fallopian tubes due to potential ovarian cancer. 2. **At 6 Weeks Post-Operation** – My belly button wound was still discharging a serous fluid profusely, requiring frequent dressing changes (up to 5-6 times daily). Chemical cauterization with silver nitrate was attempted on two occasions, but it only left me with an alarming "charred" appearance in that area, making things worse. 3. **At 7 Weeks Post-Operation** – I was prescribed Mupirocin in conjunction with two rounds of antibiotics (Augmentin) which had no effect at all. 4. **At 7.5 Weeks Post-Operation** – A culture performed on the wound found no signs of infection, yeast, or bacteria, which baffled me especially since I hadn’t been tested before the antibiotic prescription. 5. **At 8 Weeks Post-Operation** – An ultrasound revealed a tiny sinus tract leading to a stitch inside my abdomen; my surgeon later admitted to having repaired a hernia during the procedure, a detail he had neglected to mention initially. 6. **At 9 Weeks Post-Operation** – A revision surgery was performed to address the sinus tract, remove the problematic stitch, and re-stitch the area in three layers while utilizing cauterization. Unfortunately, my belly button appeared more inflamed post-surgery and the discharge worsened, prompting me to seek a new surgeon and consult a wound care specialist. 7. **Three Weeks After the Second Surgery** – My wound care physician requested a CT scan which showed a small seroma but led to an adverse reaction, causing hives all over my body. After receiving oral steroids and topical treatments, I experienced a fleeting 12 days of healing joy before the leakage resumed. 8. **Five Weeks After the Second Surgery** – The leakage returned, and I initiated the process to obtain all my medical records. 9. **Six Weeks After the Second Surgery** – An MRI was conducted, revealing no significant issues except for the original cyst beginning to regrow. This was alarming, as it indicated the initial reason for my first surgery was recurrent. 10. **Eight Weeks After the Second Surgery** – I finally accessed my medical records and discovered that the surgeon had utilized dissolvable sutures with an antibiotic coating. My wound care specialist suspects these sutures might be eliciting a foreign body response. I am starting another round of oral steroids in hopes of calming the immune reaction. I feel utterly exasperated after enduring four long months of pain, leakage, and disruption to my daily life. I am reaching out in desperation for advice and support from anyone who may have encountered similar issues. Please, if you have insights or solutions, share them with me; I’m in need of hope!

Answers (1)

9/14/2025, 3:01:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing challenges you're experiencing with your surgical site. It's understandable to feel exasperated after months of pain and complications. Let's break down your situation and explore some immediate steps that might help improve the healing process and manage your symptoms.

Summary of Key Points

You have a persistent fluid leakage from your belly button incision post-surgery, which has lasted over four months and has seen multiple medical interventions without success. You’ve also encountered a recurrence of your ovarian cyst, and you’re seeking support and possible next steps for healing.

Understanding Your Situation

Fluid leakage from a surgical site can be due to various reasons, including:

• Seromas or hematomas: buildup of fluid due to surgical trauma.
• Foreign body reaction: your body may react to dissolvable sutures used in surgery.
• Sinus tracts: these can cause ongoing drainage and may require specific interventions.

Your experience, particularly the multiple interventions and lack of healing, highlights the need for a tailored approach to manage your wound and potential underlying causes.

Immediate Next Steps

1. Continue Wound Care:

   • Keep the area clean and dry. Use mild soap and gentle water for cleaning when necessary.
   • Apply an appropriate dressing that is breathable and helps absorb any fluid without sticking to the wound.

2. Monitor the Fluid:

   • Keep a record of the amount and type of fluid (color, odor) you are seeing.
   • Note any changes in the surrounding skin such as increased redness, warmth, or swelling, which could indicate infection.

3. Medications Management:

   • Maintain communication with your wound care specialist regarding your use of steroids, as they can reduce inflammation but also slow healing if used long-term. Make sure to discuss any side effects or concerns you may experience.
   • If you are experiencing allergic reactions, like hives, after any medications, report this to your physician for alternative options.

4. Consider Follow-Up Imaging:

   • Discuss with your specialist the potential need for further imaging or exploration to rule out any underlying causes (e.g., persistent seroma, abscess, retained foreign body).

5. Seek a Multidisciplinary Approach:

   • Engage a wound care specialist, and consider consulting with a plastic surgeon who specializes in complex wound closures if you haven’t done so already, especially since your case is complicated.

6. Explore Dietary Support:

   • Focus on nutrition that supports healing, including adequate protein intake, hydration, and essential vitamins (like Vitamin C and Zinc) that can improve skin and wound health.

Emotional Support and Patience

Your situation requires time and much patience; it's important to allow yourself space to feel the range of emotions you're experiencing. Consider seeking counseling or support groups for those with chronic health issues. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be helpful!

Remember, healing takes time, especially after complex surgeries. It’s admirable that you’re actively seeking solutions and support. Keeping open lines of communication with your healthcare team is crucial to customizing your care plan effectively.

If you have further questions or specific aspects you'd like to discuss, I'm here to help!