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?
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 3:20:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are understandably concerned about the fluid and possible pus from your incision site after gallbladder surgery. While these symptoms can indicate a potential infection, not all wound discharges are problematic—especially if you’re not experiencing significant pain, fever, or other severe symptoms.
Explanation:
Post-surgery, some drainage and changes at the incision site can occur as your body heals. The presence of cloudy fluid or pus can suggest an infection, but since you don’t have fever or severe pain, this may not be an emergency situation. However, it's important to monitor the area closely as you heal, to ensure that it does not worsen.
Next Steps:
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Continue to Clean the Area:
- Gently clean the incision area with mild soap and water daily. Pat it dry gently afterward.
- Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate the wound.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Pay attention to any changes such as increased redness, swelling, deepening soreness, or any new symptoms like fever or bad odor, which may indicate a worsening infection.
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Consider Wound Dressing:
- If you haven’t done so, you might want to cover the area with a sterile dressing to protect it from contamination.
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Document Changes:
- Keep a brief diary of what you observe, specifically noting changes in the wound's appearance or any new symptoms.
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Seek Further Evaluation If:
- You notice worsening symptoms, such as increasing redness, significant pain, fever, or foul odor. These symptoms would merit seeking medical attention.
If the discharge continues or worsens without improvement over the next few days, it’s still advisable to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation. Your healing is important and being proactive can lead to better outcomes. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
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