HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 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

What Causes Milky Fluid Drainage From Incision Site Post Submandibular Salivary Gland Removal?

Hi, my name is Shelby. I had my left submandibular salivary gland removed 11 days ago. Three days later, my chin and tongue were so swollen that I couldn t close my mouth or eat/drink anything. That afternoon, I was hospitalized and pumped full of fluids, steroids and antibiotics for 24 hours until the swelling was down to a reasonable level. My surgeon took a CT scan and said that I had a blood clot, and that my body would absorb it in time. He wrote me a 6-day prescription of methylprednisone and a large bottle of antibiotics. The first two days of these steroid pills were great; I was hardly swollen at all. On the third day (4 pills for that day) I started to slowly swell again. I waited it out until today (3 days later/last day of methylprednisone) and went to my primary care physician (not the physician who performed the surgery). I told him everything I just stated here, and he wrote me another 6-day prescription of regular prednisone. I took one when I got home (after lunch, which I didn t eat because of the swelling).Here s where my question comes: At around 5pm, I noticed a terribly salty taste in my mouth. I spit it out and noticed that it was a milky off-white color. So I went to the bathroom to check it out. I lifted my tongue back and saw that an enormous amount of this milky fluid was draining from the incision site beneath my tongue. About 4 tablespoons drained, with tiny bits of chunky red blood here and there. After these ~4 tbsp drained, it slowed significantly. Now, it only oozes when I retract my tongue as far back as possible, and it only oozes tiny amounts. Now, my chin is noticeably less swollen, and less sore.Is this plasma? I m disinclined to believe it s an infection, as I ve been on antibiotics since the operation. I plan on calling the surgeon tomorrow morning to ask about it, but some peace of mind for the night would be nice. Anxiety keeps me awake.Thank you in advance for any advice, I deeply appreciate it.
Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
Dentist 's  Response
Hi..
Can understand your concern..

I have gone through your question and can very well understand your anxiety and stress.

As per the entire explanation of treatment that was given to you the milky fluid drained out from the incision site is Pus which is the exudate released after infection.

The swelling and discomfort that have occurred must be because of inflammation and infection caused at the side of surgery and can be seen in many cases of surgery where secondary infection takes place.

Although you are on antibiotics and steroids leading to relieve in the symptoms and swelling reduced but it take time for pus and infection to wean off and it can not disappear suddenly..

As there must be some infection remaining and the pus present in the site of surgery got a path to get drained it started oozing out from incision site. The more it gets drained out the faster will be the healing as the pus contains bacteria and infection.

I would suggest you that in case oral antibiotics are showing slow relief and healing you can also take injectable antibiotics and intravenous infusions if needed and can be solely decided by the surgeon who knows your entire case.

But as the swelling and pain is subsiding you can relax and follow the treatment protocols and soon you will get completely relieved.

Hope your query is solved..

If you find the answer helpful please write a positive review and click on find this answer helpful as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
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


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Milky Fluid Drainage From Incision Site Post Submandibular Salivary Gland Removal?

Hi.. Can understand your concern.. I have gone through your question and can very well understand your anxiety and stress. As per the entire explanation of treatment that was given to you the milky fluid drained out from the incision site is Pus which is the exudate released after infection. The swelling and discomfort that have occurred must be because of inflammation and infection caused at the side of surgery and can be seen in many cases of surgery where secondary infection takes place. Although you are on antibiotics and steroids leading to relieve in the symptoms and swelling reduced but it take time for pus and infection to wean off and it can not disappear suddenly.. As there must be some infection remaining and the pus present in the site of surgery got a path to get drained it started oozing out from incision site. The more it gets drained out the faster will be the healing as the pus contains bacteria and infection. I would suggest you that in case oral antibiotics are showing slow relief and healing you can also take injectable antibiotics and intravenous infusions if needed and can be solely decided by the surgeon who knows your entire case. But as the swelling and pain is subsiding you can relax and follow the treatment protocols and soon you will get completely relieved. Hope your query is solved.. If you find the answer helpful please write a positive review and click on find this answer helpful as a token of appreciation.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.