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5 replies

Ileostomy Closure Wound Questions

A AmythystMember
Hello guys, my husband asked me to post something about his former ostomy site. The doctor closed it up completely and from what I can see, it has 1 stitch in the middle of it and they put some sort of sticky bandage or second skin stuff over top of it? At the hospital, they did not bandage it or anything and it just looked like a giant scab. When we got home, it actually started leaking and the nurse told us that it was normal and it had to drain.

So, we bought some bandages and have been cleaning it and keeping it covered but taking it off and letting it breathe a bit.

We aren't supposed to see his doctor again until the 21st but I'm wondering if there is something wrong with this wound? It is bleeding still (the bandage when we change it always has blood on it) but the wound sort of smells like (and I apologize for the graphicness) but the wound smells like menstruation blood? It does not look infected and it isn't pussing or anything but it just smells funny. The scab on top is quite thick but we dare not pull it off. It has separated a lot from his skin though. I'm wondering if it just smells funny cause the big scab is just sitting there festering.

I know most of you did not have your former stoma spot sewn up like this... so just wondering if anybody out there had them completely close it up and seal it off?

I could also post a picture but I didn't wanna do it unless someone wanted to see it lol.
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mgmt10mgmt10Member
Drainage and a mild odor are normal. Foul odor, pain and redness along with puss would be a sign of infection. But if you aren't sure, it's always best to have it checked out. The Incision from my first surgery where they took the colon out of took forever to heal and drained and oozed all the time but it never was infected. Hope it's all okay.
Jan DollarJan DollarModerator, RN, retired
When in doubt, call your doctor for advice. Could be that it needs debridement, which is where they remove that scab and any other material that might be interfering with the healing process, including sutures. On the other hand, it could be just fine.

If the surrounding skin is not swollen, red, or hot, that is good. These sorts of wounds are considered contaminated wounds, and is why they are often left open to heal from the inside out. When closed, they still will bleed and drain during the healing process, as it still is not the same as a regular incision that is sutured.

Bottom line, call the surgeon, even if it is for reassurance.

Jan Smiler
U UCWarrior2010Member
I was quite paranoid about the ileostomy wound too after the takedown. The surgeon had put a few staples and left it open. After getting home the wound sort of opened up with a hole right in the middle. I called the surgeon and told him about but he asked me to just keep it clean and not worry. Gradually, the wound stopped bleeding and other stuff coming out of it stopped too. Now, I am just left with a pretty ugly look scar and a big scab. It will gradually fall off, I assume. Unless you are running fever or it is painful and you have stinky pus coming out, I'd say it isn't much to worry about.

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