Question:
How long will the incision drain

I am 1 and 1/2 weeks post op and still have drainage from 2 places in my incision. My belly button is also having problems healing, since he did a hernia repair at the same time. I just need some advice about this and would like to know some experiences from other people. Thank you. Pat    — Patricia P. (posted on September 27, 2003)

September 27, 2003
I had no drainage from any ofmy incisions, except one got infected because the stitches inside didn't disolve. they broke apart but that's it. It did get puss in it. ANd it hurt like the dickens.
   — Beverly S.

September 28, 2003
I didn't have much drainage, but my dr said it was normal unless it got excessive. Might want to check with your dr. As for the belly button, I had that problem after gallbladder surgery last year. It took quite a while to heal, maybe 4 weeks to finally heal. Had to change dressing every day. That indentation makes it hard to heal like an open flatter place would. Hang in there.
   — lharbison

September 28, 2003
If the drainage continues then it might be necesaary to pack the holes to help them heal from the inside out. The doctor will decide that. I had 2 holes I had to pack that took a month to heal shut. I also had one hole that refused to stop draining and required a 2nd surgery at about 3 months to remove the stitches in the fascia that would not dissolve and kept irritating the area. Once the stitiches were gone that one healed up in 5 weeks. Just keep it all dry and clean for now. If it keep up call the doc. It's not a big deal just a tiny nuisance, that's all.
   — zoedogcbr