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What Causes White Opening With Dark Gray Around At The Site Of Abdominal Drain?
Question: I had a portion of my colon removed in mid-March due to diverticulitis. The surgeon left a small opening in the incision for post-surgery drainage. I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon yesterday and he treated the opening with silver nitrate. When I asked what that would do he responded that it would provide a good environment for the open to heal and close. He did not give me any instructions regarding caring for the site other than to continue to keep it covered with a piece of gauze or bandage. Tonight I removed the bandage he placed in order to dress with a new one. The inside of the opening is white and the surface skin around it is dark gray. I assume that is the silver nitrate. My question is do I allow the gray area to wear off over time or is there something specific I need to do to clean the skin surrounding the site?
Brief Answer:
It's chemical cauterization of excess granulation
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms
The opening at the site of abdominal drain may cause overgrowth of granulation tissue producing a cauliflower like protrusion which will delay closure of the opening. As you must be aware granulation tissue ( new growing blood vessels and supporting tissue) is required for healing of any wound. But overgrowth of granulation tissue will delay healing.
Many of the Surgeon get rid of it by chemical cauterization using Silver nitrate. Silver nitrate application causes burning of the excessive granulation tissue and will help in wound closure.
Silver nitrate application on pink velvet looking like granulation tissue will cause its burning may make it appear white and grey in colour. Over next couple of days it will undergo sloughing out and will be shed out. Only thing required is keep changing the dressing. Plain saline soaked gauge piece dressing is all that is required. The wound will close after it
Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS, MS, MCH
Consultant Surgeon
It's chemical cauterization of excess granulation
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms
The opening at the site of abdominal drain may cause overgrowth of granulation tissue producing a cauliflower like protrusion which will delay closure of the opening. As you must be aware granulation tissue ( new growing blood vessels and supporting tissue) is required for healing of any wound. But overgrowth of granulation tissue will delay healing.
Many of the Surgeon get rid of it by chemical cauterization using Silver nitrate. Silver nitrate application causes burning of the excessive granulation tissue and will help in wound closure.
Silver nitrate application on pink velvet looking like granulation tissue will cause its burning may make it appear white and grey in colour. Over next couple of days it will undergo sloughing out and will be shed out. Only thing required is keep changing the dressing. Plain saline soaked gauge piece dressing is all that is required. The wound will close after it
Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS, MS, MCH
Consultant Surgeon
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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