Bulge over low horizontal abdominal incision (laparotomy??) incision 2 weeks post-op

[Sassynclassy]

Hello I had what started as a laparoscopy removal of what they thought was a dermoid and ended up being opened right along my bikini line to remove a 10cm diameter fibroma from growing inside my ovary. I got to keep the ovary!! :)

The incision has healed well however right after surgery I had this bulge over the incision when I would stand. It has gotten a bit smaller but the more I stand it gets bigger and the pain feel like what a bruise feels like. The bulge goes away when I lay down. It is uncomfortable when I bend my knees up or try to bend over, other than that I feel really well. A little sore still. I am worried this is a hernia, used my stethoscope at home and can hear intestinal noises at the bulge but I also hear that all over my belly. Ha! It's almost like I have my normal flat across my hip bones then the bulge I'm talking about, then my incision which is flat. Sorry trying to explain what it looks like. I'm a pretty thin/athletic girl and just hoping this unsightly thing goes away as I go to Hawaii in two weeks! Is this normal? How can I minimize it? How long has it lasted for others? OR could this be a hernia!!!!? :((( thank you!

[old_before_my_time]

So glad to hear your surgeon preserved your ovary. They are removed unnecessarily far too often! And we need their hormones our whole life, not just for reproduction!

It's hard to say what this bulge is. It could be a hematoma (collection of blood). I suppose a hernia is a possibility too. You may want to call your surgeon's office.

Let us know what you find out. I hope it's something minor!