Question:
I had multi hernias w/patches, then removed/ I have fluid in my belly-need help!

I have had multiple hernia repair with patches inserted only to have them abcess and have patches taken out due to abcesses that would not heal- I now have had another hernia repairwith alloderm patch and tummy tuck on 8/3. I had another surgery (my 18th in 3 yrs) to drain fluid from my belly- I had a drain in until last week- I think the fluid is building back up and wondering if it is ok just to leave the fluid alone and will it reabsorb or is surgery absolutely necessary again--also after my surgery the lower abdomin was flat and smooth and the upper part is big and round- I am wondering if anybody can help me with and answer to my questions-also does anyone one know af any other procedures to help make a belly lining besides hernia patches? I need answers and dont know where else to go--thank you and god bless!    — TERRI B. (posted on October 30, 2004)

November 2, 2004
Hi. I often post here about the problems with hernia repair using mesh. Your case is not unusual in that it required surgery to fix the problem, and the residual scar tissue may still be causing you problems. AlloDerm will absorb but hopefully leave enough tissue behind to keep the hernia in. Ask your surgeon, but I would NOT want a fluid pocket due to infection risk. Ultrasound guided drainage or a tube may be possible instead of surgery. Using your own tissue (muscle "flaps") to restore the sbdominal wall is in my opinion the best way to reconstruct the abdominal wall...I rarely use mesh because of problems like yours.
   — DrL