Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
192 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Child Undergone Open Heart Surgery, On ECMO. Scar Turned Red, Something Coming From Holes. Suggestion?

My son, 2 years old, had open heart surgery and 2 weeks old and was on ECMO for a week prior. The scar that remains from the ECMO looks like a piercing, I think I could get an earring through it (I'd never attempt it!). Lately, it has become red and and just today I noticed it looked like a lump under it and possibly something coming from one of the holes. He's a toddler though so it's difficult to get a great look. Also, he isn't able to talk yet so he cannot tell me if it hurts or itches.
posted on Mon, 29 Jul 2013
Twitter Tue, 30 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 31 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Redness, swelling and discharge can sometimes indicate that an infection is present in the area involved.

This would normally be associated with fever and possibly decreased activity and appetite.

It would be best to take him to his doctor to be evaluated. It may not be an infection but with a history of heart surgery , it would be best to make sure.

I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation


Loading Online Doctors....
Child Undergone Open Heart Surgery, On ECMO. Scar Turned Red, Something Coming From Holes. Suggestion?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Redness, swelling and discharge can sometimes indicate that an infection is present in the area involved. This would normally be associated with fever and possibly decreased activity and appetite. It would be best to take him to his doctor to be evaluated. It may not be an infection but with a history of heart surgery , it would be best to make sure. I hope this helps