Is post-operative wound infection normal after 6 weeks?

Question

Hello doctor,

I went into shock during my tummy tuck surgery, and the reason was unknown. My hemoglobin dropped to 5 g/dL, but it was 14.6 g/dL before the surgery. I was taken to the emergency room and returned home after one week of treatment with four blood transfusions.

Still, my incision is not closed and discharging pus. The doctor said that the issue was because of improper sutures and removed them. But, I have been having a burning sensation at the site of the incision till now and taking tablet Cephalexin 500 mg for six weeks.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

Most of the wounds heal within three to four weeks. Unfortunately, it has taken longer in your case with a hospitalization. When your surgeons re-stitched your wound, was there any fluid collection under your wound? When is the next follow-up?

Do you have any medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or risk factors like smoking? I have seen the photograph attached (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). The wound does not look infected at present from the picture.

However, I would recommend getting some laboratory investigations like complete blood count and C-reactive protein, to track and monitor the presence of infection.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

While it is unusual to have a burning sensation and pain in the incision site after six weeks postoperative, if wound infection is the case, you will see foul smelling fluid discharge or pus from the wound. And the area around your wound will be red and warm as compared to your skin at other body sites. If this is not the case (as I can see from the photograph), the infection can be ruled out clinically.

Any fluid which is collected inside will eventually get absorbed, provided again it does not get infected. I would still recommend you to do a complete blood count and C-reactive protein to rule it out and kidney function tests to rule out the cause for your pain.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.