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.

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

_
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
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