Why are my wife’s stitches bleeding continuously after dermolipectomy?

Q: My 43 years old wife has undergone a dermolipectomy for incisional hernia earlier this month. She was normal for a week but after that there is continuous bleeding from the operation stitches accompanied by headache and fever. As per the doctor's advice, she is on complete bed rest but the bleeding has not stopped yet. Is this a side effect of the surgery? Is there any possibility for the recurrence of hernia?

A:It's been only two weeks since the surgery. The bleeding may be from some infection, or a small burst vein. I think you should wait and watch especially if your doctor is not worried.

Incisional hernias can always recur. The recurrence rate is about 8% if a mesh is used for repair. Even in the best hands repair is not foolproof, and is related to the healing ability of the tissues. You should hope for the best.