Question:
Hematoma 4 hours post-op lap band surgery

my surgery was on 5/20 and I developed a baseball sized hematoma 4 hours post op. Surgeon said it would absorb. It began to drain and I was told that was 'ok'. On 6/15 I had emergency surgery for staph infection. Port was removed but band still in place. I was hospitalized for 6 days...it has been horrible. I want to know if there is something that could have been done to drain and/or mitigate this infection from happening? I am now faced w/daily nursing care, a huge wound that won't heal for up to 8 weeks...and then, if I choose, having the port re-inserted and basically starting all over. Suffice it to say, I am emotionally drained and in such pain. It took me over 4 years to choose to have the surgery I am so uncertain as to the next step. I know the hematoma occurs in a small percentage of patients....but why should I think it won't happen again? Thank you to anyone who has any input or advice on this. phoebe    — phoebetjr (posted on June 22, 2008)

June 22, 2008
I am so sorry that things have not gone better for you and that you are in so much pain. I have not had surgery yet but just wanted you to know that there are people here to help support any decision. You need to do a lot of soul searching at this point. And if this is something you really want to do for yourself than you should go for it. If you think that you can lose the weight with out the new tool than try that first. I wish you nothing but a speedy recovery and keep the faith.
   — tinajohn

June 22, 2008
It's unfortunate this happened to you and you are right, it is rare...Any idea of the chances of winning the lottery twice? I suppose it could happen. Only you can decide if you want to start over...I had RNY and had no serious complications...but I went into that operating rom fully aware that dying was a possibility...At that point in my life...dying was actually beginning to sound better than living another year MO...So it was an easy choice for me...Only you know if it's worth even just a chance to be thinner and healthier. Good luck and so sorry for you,... Hope you feel better soon!
   — .Anita R.

June 23, 2008
Sounds like a lot of unpleasantness... I'm sorry you had to and are still having to deal with this. I would suggest having a very direct and honest discussion with your doctor or surgeon. Tell them how you feeling, what you are concerns are, and see what they have to say. I've always found that asking "what would you do if you were in my position?" or "what would you suggest your [spouse/child/relative] do in this situation?" is helpful. I don't know enough about hematomas to say whether or not you're likely to have another... but your surgeon/doctor should know. It may have been a one time thing and you're unlikely to have another. If it turns out that you are at risk of developing another one, this time your doctor/surgeon will be aware of it and can take steps to minimize the risk and/or deal with it early on before it becomes a big problem. Hang in there!
   — mrsidknee

June 23, 2008
I can appreciate what you are going through. I had RNY on 5/14/08, and also developed a Hematoma behind the largest surgical incision. While the staples were still on, it burst open when I sat down and lots of brownish old blood poured out. Sorry to be so graphic. I too had an open wound, but luckily, mine healed in about 5 weeks. I am a nurse so I packed it and cleaned it myself. The one thing my doctor told me was to take a shower with it and let the water flow over it twice a day. This was contrary to any advice I'd ever known as a nurse, but honestly, I think that is why I closed a few weeks early. It was kept super clean. I made sure it was dry, dry, dry, before I bandaged it up again. Before you do anything like that though - please discuss with your doctor. The one thing that was explained to me is that with the RNY, my surgeon took a small piece of bowel out of the incicsion and it likely was contaiminated. Thus the hematoma. With all incisions, one can develop a hematoma and it's not really something that will impact your overall outcome. I know it feels like a big set back, but focus on the reason you had the procedure and know that shortly you will be whole again.
   — urrn4u

June 23, 2008
I too understand. I am still recovering from a hysterectomy. I had two hematoma's from it. Although I didn't know what it was called at the time. I have not had my surgery yet and have been debating whether or not to continue. I have gotten some great advice from others here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/question.php?N=S1214088785 I know how frustrating it can be. You wonder why you had to be a rare case. LOL Maybe this will help it always makes me laugh when I think of it. My uncle told me one time, God only gives you what you can handle...I just wish he didn't think so highly of me. LOL Good luck and feel free to contact me if you need to talk. I am still unable to drive so I am home most of the time.
   — Grace C.

June 24, 2008
I am soooo sorry that this has happened to you. We all go into these surgeries signing multiple forms explaining that anything and everything can and will go wrong and does in a certain percentage of cases. In reality, every 3 out of 100 patients die. When we go through difficulties in life, we tend to want to know "why me"? Well, that is the question isn't it? No one knows, all I know and believe is that everything in life happens for a reason. I have had many surgeries and have never had any complications thank God. My mother has had 2 surgeries and almost died both times from complications and was in the hospital for a month after having her gall bladder removed. We never know. Please know I am saying a prayer for you and thinking of you everyday. Chances are very slim that you should have complications again. Try to stay positive and focus on the future and healing and you will get better faster. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic