Question:
What do you think this is

I just had my gallbladder taken out a week ago and I just found that I have a lump the size of a quarter that is very tender to touch at one of my insicions.(I had lap done). The lump is at the highest incision. Does anyone know what this could be?? I am on vacation right now and won't be back home to see my surgeon till next monday.    — jenna F. (posted on July 28, 2002)

July 28, 2002
I had the same type of lump after my open RNY (6/27/02). It kind of freaked me out, becuase I had been kind of stretching the lifting limits. The lump was hard sore and radiated pain, so I watched it carefully. After a few days it go smaller and smaller and smaller. I assumed it was scar tissue or something like it. Now the lump is gone, but the spot is still tender to the touch. I am not sure, but I think that when you have a hernia, you know it for sure. But I could be wrong.
   — Jeanna M.

July 28, 2002
Hi, just a guess or two, it might be an abcess or could be a little pouch of scar tissue. You need to watch it very closely, if it starts to drain, you develop a fever, or the spot gets bigger, you need to see a doctor right away. I would still have my surgeon look at it when you get home if it is still there, in the meantime, if you develop any of the things above I would go to a doctor where you are or the ER. I developed a little area like that and luckily it was just weird scar tissue forming. But be sure to keep an eye on it. Best of luck to you! P.S. You could always call your surgeon's office and talk to him or her or one of the nurses.
   — Cory F.

July 28, 2002
I too had one with my LAP Gallbladder. I was worried and it hurt. I think it lasted about a month. If you have any concerns, call your surgeon. My guess is it will pass with time.
   — Danmark

July 28, 2002
this sounds like a seroma. this is a collection of fluids that the body produces locally at incision sites to help heal them. they do go away slowly, they get reabsorbed. scar tissue doesnt usually form so soon after surgery, it takes more than a week. i had one about 4 inches at the bottom of my open rny incision, and it went away in a month. of course, like other posters noted, watch for drainage, redness, swelling or fever. these could indicate an infection. always check with your physician, surgeon or nurse practitioner. good luck! nancy/4-9-02, -70
   — Nancy D.