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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Umbilicus Swelling, Bloody Discharge, Redness And Pain Due To The Mesh?

I am a 49 yr old male that had umbilical hernia surgery with mesh placement 12 yrs ago. I have lost 80 lbs since then because of eating healthy and exercise. My waist went from 46 to 36 today. Approx 18mths ago I developed slight swelling, redness, pain in navel that began to have some putrid bloody drainage. Went to Dr. and he gave me Augmentin for 7 days to clear up infection. It worked but returned in 3mths. Again, he gave meds and it cleared up. Now, about every 6-8 wks, infection returns. Dr. thinks mesh is infected and needs removed surgically. Is this dangerous? Should I just continue the cycle of meds? Please advise.
Thu, 10 Jan 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Noted your history of mesh repair of umbilical hernia long ago that is 12 years ago hence it is unlikely that the mesh got infected n its own after such a long time.
The commonest cause can be an ulmbilical granuloma that is causing the present symptoms.
I would advise for the following in such a situation.
Consult a General Surgeon for correct evaluation and further investigations as needed so that a proper course of management can be instituted.
One can not go for repeated antibiotic courses.
If there is any granuloma its excision can give you cure.
If the mesh is also infected then you may need removal of the affected part only as rest of the mesh becomes part of the body after 12 years.
Clean the umbilicus with Hydrogen Peroxide and Liquid Povidone Iodine daily and keep the area dry and well ventilated by using loose clothes.

Take care.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant,
General & ENT Surgeon
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Is Umbilicus Swelling, Bloody Discharge, Redness And Pain Due To The Mesh?

Hi, Noted your history of mesh repair of umbilical hernia long ago that is 12 years ago hence it is unlikely that the mesh got infected n its own after such a long time. The commonest cause can be an ulmbilical granuloma that is causing the present symptoms. I would advise for the following in such a situation. Consult a General Surgeon for correct evaluation and further investigations as needed so that a proper course of management can be instituted. One can not go for repeated antibiotic courses. If there is any granuloma its excision can give you cure. If the mesh is also infected then you may need removal of the affected part only as rest of the mesh becomes part of the body after 12 years. Clean the umbilicus with Hydrogen Peroxide and Liquid Povidone Iodine daily and keep the area dry and well ventilated by using loose clothes. Take care. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, General & ENT Surgeon