What is the reason for dripping of fluid from the stitches?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a C-section before a month. A few days after, it was found that the surgery site got infected with some discharge. All the stitches were removed and the site was irrigated and cleaned everyday for over a week with antibiotics. Two days ago, I went for secondary closure. A nylon thread was used and since then, the stitches dripping out some substance like a mixture of blood and a colorless fluid. We are cleaning the site with medical spirit till now. What is the reason for this dripping? Is it normal? Is that a sign of healing?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From your history, it seems like you have an infection in the suture line. You will need professional daily dressing and antibiotics. Please go to a hospital and have the wound looked at and maybe a culture sent to determine the cause of infection. Meanwhile, you can do the following; clean with spirit as well as Betadine (Povidone-iodine). And then apply Neosporin powder (combination of Polymyxin B Sulfate, Neomycin and Bacitracin). Always keep the wound dry and exposed. Please do not apply any bandage. Also, I suggest the following medicines. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent.

Tablet Augmentin 625 mg (combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) thrice a day after meals and if you are breastfeeding then after feeding the baby.
Tablet Pan-D (Pantoprazole) twice a day on an empty stomach after feeding the baby.
Tablet Dolo 650 (Acetaminophen) one tablet only if you have pain.
If the suture is red, hard and swollen, then please take tablet Emanzen-D (Diclofenac) twice a day after meals and after breastfeeding. Most importantly, keep your hands clean, wash frequently with soap and do not touch the wound.