Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:30:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s important to address your concerns about the fluid and potential infection at your surgical site after gallbladder removal. While some discharge can be normal post-surgery, the presence of pus and tenderness may indicate an infection that requires attention.
Explanation:
After gallbladder surgery, it’s not unusual for some fluid to leak from the incision as it heals. However, if you notice foul-smelling pus or increased tenderness, these could be signs of an infection. The absence of fever and chills is reassuring, but it's still crucial to monitor the situation closely.
Next Steps:
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Clean Gently: Continue to keep the incision area clean with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing or using any harsh products.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the fluid's color, consistency, and amount. Also, watch for any new symptoms like fever, increased redness around the incision, or worsening tenderness.
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Apply a Clean Dressing: If there's discharge, cover the area with a sterile bandage after cleaning. Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or soiled.
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When to Seek Help: If the pus increases in amount or changes color, you start having fever, chills, or the area becomes increasingly painful or red, this is when you should seek medical attention promptly.
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Avoid Over-Cleaning: While keeping it clean is vital, excessive cleaning can irritate the site, so be gentle.
If anything changes or worsens, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. It's better to err on the side of caution. Take care!
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