Question Title: bile draining from incision

My mother who is 69 years old had a colostomy
in September. She was admitted a month
ago to have it reversed. A week later she was
still bloated and bile was draining from the
incision. Dr. suspected a perforated bowel.
She was taken back to surgery. They found
she had a lot of infection and it was removed.
Plus they replaced the colostomy (ileostomy?).
During both procedures she lost a lot of blood
and was very weak. It is my understanding
the cancer was ruled out. But the drainage
still continues. It is from a portion of the
incision which is not healing. It is about 2"
to 3" long and it is draining bile. She has
gone from a liquid diet to a solid diet and
back to liquids. The drainage does not seem
to be lessening. She is getting stronger and
does sit up and even walk a little. What
could be the problem - have you ever seen
or heard of anything like this before?
what type of specialist should we request?
Thank you for any guidance you can give.

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Dear Mari,
Based on your description of your mother's problem it seems taht she may have a fistula from her bowel to the skin. You should discuss with the physician where the leak is and the possibility of spongtaneous closure. Persistent drainage can indicate infection, obstruction or foreign body in the path.

This information is presented for educational purposes. Ask specific questions to your personal physician.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: bile leak
0.2

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