Irritation/inflammation from suture

[MmeMulot]

Has anyone had irritation or inflammation from one of their laparoscopy incisions? The one at my belly button is very red and painful at one end. I saw my gynecologist about it yesterday, and she said some people have an allergic reaction to the sutures that can start a week or so after surgery. Apparently the knot on the suture is really irritating the tissue. It doesn't look infected, but she gave me some antibiotics just in case. If it's not better next week, she'll have to go in and snip off the knot. :ouch:

It's so frustrating and worrying, because this just started a week after my surgery. And I'm very worried about getting an infection, because I'm allergic to the main antibiotics they'd use to fight one (penicillins and cephalosporins).

[wubbie3]

I have exactly the same problem with my belly button incision! It's red and sore, and REALLY bruised all around and down. The skin is horribly sensitive to anything touching it, but I can't go commando because I have to wear a small pad from the cervix bleeding (apparently they put a clip on it, and it snagged as they removed it.. ow!)
I can't use neosporin or anything since I have the internal stitches underneath, and they used derma-bond gel to close the top layers. So the neosporin has vaseline in it, and that makes the derma-bond break down or something. My gyn suggested Vitamin E oil. It does work... it smoothes the skin, makes the fabric not stick to the ouchy part, and looks like it's helping a bit. You can get pure Vitamin E oil at any health food store, or in sections of the store that sell all natural stuff.
Keep me updated on what your incision does.... I'm kinda flying blind here until my appt next week.
~Marianne

[MmeMulot]

Thanks for the tips! I'm a bit relieved to hear that it's not an uncommon occurence. My doctor suggested the Neosporin, so I've been dabbing that on, too.

[MickeyVicki]

Irritation and mild inflammation are common.  You have already taken the correct first step- seeing your doctor!  

Be certain to take the anti-biotics.

Also, keeping the incision dry, such as making certain that you dry it well after a bath or shower will help.  Using a blow dryer, on low speed, at a cool temperature, held as far back from the incision as possible, will help the drying process without the need to rub or pat the incision with a towel.  

Also, another tip for post-op care is to make certain that  you use a clean towel each day.  Towels which do not dry  quickly and completely between uses can harbor bacteria.  

If your doctor approved the use of anti-biotic ointments, such as the common "neosporin"-type ointments, then use that by dabbing some on the incision site.  Be certain that you are not allergic to the ointment before using it!  Many people are allergic to these medications.

Keeping the incision site free from rubbing and irritation by clothing might help as well.

Last but not least, my doctor removed my sutures after one week.  (I heal quickly.)  It was painless.