Greetings.
Has a mesh been used for the incisional hernia repair?
Was an ultrasound done post operatively to assess this fluid drainage?
Is the fluid decreasing in amount or is same?
Dr. Arun
Hello,
In an 11 inches incisional hernia mesh repair there is an extensive dissection of the layers between fat and fascia (on which the mesh is anchored). The fat looses its blood supply due to the dissection and converts in fluid for considerable time after the surgery (up to 3-4 weeks). So this is likely to stop in coming one week or so. An ultrasound is usually done to just rule out any pocket, specifically made from which fluid might be draining. If there is no such pocket or specific point of collection, this is likely to stop on its own in coming 7-10 days.
Please feel free for your follow up questions.
Doctor (MD)
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine
Ask your physician to send it for culture. I would not be worried if it is 50 ml or less and gradually decreasing in amount. A non infected fluid will be thin, serous and pink or light pink. Any other change in fluid in amount or appearance will require a culture and ultrasound.
It is pleasure and privilege assisting you.
Best wishes and kindest regards,