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What Causes Blackish Discharge From The Incision Site Of Surgery For Diverticulitis?
Question: Hi, a friend of mine had surgery for diverticulitis, and he has a JP drain to deal with at home. His drainage used to be clear, but now it is tan-colored; however, he has no other signs of infection. There is no fever, redness, swelling, or pus visible. Is the tan-colored fluid by itself a sign of possible infection? Or does it need to be grouped with other signs/symptoms before it can be considered an infection? Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
Signs and symptoms may be masked, hence the tests are a must
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query for your friend.
Noted the history of surgery for diverticulitis, JP drain in place, now has XXXXXXX colored discharge. There are no signs of infection like fever, redness, swelling or pus.
The clear fluid turning into XXXXXXX color can be due to an infection. The drain itself is a foreign body and a source of an infection. Another cause is the surgery itself.
Definitely other signs and symptoms too must be considered. But the picture can be very different as the patient must be on medicines like an antibiotic and they alter the picture.
Hence the most appropriate test is to send the XXXXXXX colored fluid for analysis, gram staining, culture and sensitivity. We have to be really certain. If positive for infection, further course of action should be taken ASAP.
I hope this answer helps. You may please ask further relevant queries if need be or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communication.
Signs and symptoms may be masked, hence the tests are a must
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query for your friend.
Noted the history of surgery for diverticulitis, JP drain in place, now has XXXXXXX colored discharge. There are no signs of infection like fever, redness, swelling or pus.
The clear fluid turning into XXXXXXX color can be due to an infection. The drain itself is a foreign body and a source of an infection. Another cause is the surgery itself.
Definitely other signs and symptoms too must be considered. But the picture can be very different as the patient must be on medicines like an antibiotic and they alter the picture.
Hence the most appropriate test is to send the XXXXXXX colored fluid for analysis, gram staining, culture and sensitivity. We have to be really certain. If positive for infection, further course of action should be taken ASAP.
I hope this answer helps. You may please ask further relevant queries if need be or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communication.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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