Question:
incision holes

Ive been draining since 3/5 i had my staples removed on 3/14 ive noticed that 4 holes has formed on the incision and it is draining from those holes? im sure there is no infection and no odor and no swelling and redness but is the holes forming normal and how long will it drain ? thank you all    — Latisha M. (posted on March 18, 2002)

March 18, 2002
Hi, Just wanted to say there could be some infection beginning to build up since you are draining from some of these holes. I would certainly call the surgeon to get cultures of the drainage and be sure there isn't an infection. If it's beginning to be infected, it should be treated immediately so that you don't get in trouble. I've read of several people on this site who have had their incisions break open due to infection. Better safe than sorry. Call your surgeon now! Jan (p.s. I'm an LPN and this is what I would tell one of my patients.)
   — Jan N.

March 18, 2002
I agree,Jan. See you surgeon today. From what you've described this may not be normal healing and possibly an infection. (I am an Infection Control Assoc.) Please contact your doctor.
   — ERICK B.

March 19, 2002
Hello, I also had this happen to me. I had three holes. Two small ones and a bigger one about the size of a dime. I was draining from all of them. I did have an infection. The stuff draining from my incision did smell horrible and was green/yellow and streaked with blood. I had to take two different anti biotics to clear it up. I drained for about six weeks. But started to heal soon after I finished the meds. Also I didn't have staples, just steri strips.
   — Dawn H.

April 27, 2002
Hi ..I also started leaking ALOT form my incision..I went to the doctor and ..YES , I had an infection..He stuck a swab in the hole and pressed on my Tummy and it oozed out..Then he covered it and sent me home and told me to change the bandage as needed..He also gave me antibiotics...I think u should check it out
   — Lisa N.