Question:
What are the causes of non-operative site, post operative abcessing and/or cysts

In researching, I have noted that abcesses and cysts sometimes appear as complications of surgery and some have resulted in sepsis and death. These are not always at the incision site or in the abdomen. (Those occurrences are easier to understand, but I did note one reported have them in the legs) What causes this, how can it be prevented and how prevelant is it. Is it related to the degree of obesity (i.e. 250 lbs vs 500 lbs?) Is there anything a person can do to find out if he/she may be at risk for this before they have surgery?    — Pat P. (posted on December 22, 2000)

December 31, 2001
I had no idea that my abcess was surgery related. Two weeks after my surgery I developed an abcess on the back of my leg. I ended up in the hospital for 2 days and had to have it lanced. No one mentioned that it could be related to my rny. I would like more info on this.
   — Janet R.

December 31, 2004
After my surgery I kept having a sore area on my back and thought it was surgery related. No nurse looked at it and when I got home saw that it was a huge boil. I have had one a few months before in a different area. I certainly wondered if my body was trying to get rid of something in my system. So I have no answers either. Only questions. I'm going to see a dermatologist next week about a psoriasis type of rash that has developed now.... Sheesh!! Alice From Dallas
   — alicefromdallas