Port Infection Slideshow (Not For The Feint Hearted)

[SeanM 1]

I was banded 1 Dec and had my port removed on the 19th of June.

I will post a detail evolution of what happened for now have a look at this slideshow,

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First of all I want to thank everyone thats treating me specialy my doctor, very caring to the point he quickly replies to my emails and takes calls, something I am very gratefull for in times of stress like the present, I am extreemly happy I chose him, and the infection was probably due to a fill that had nothing to do with him,

-I was banded on the 1 dec, operation went well healing was fast I had restiction for about 4 weeks, then I had a fill towards end of Jan, 7 or 8 week( ill have to check the exact dates)

-1st fill was 2cc from empty Not much restriction if any

-2nd about 15 March, fill was not with my regular doc, 2cc, the other new doc said there was only 1cc in I think he said that 1 was for the tubing, and 1 in the band, so ended with 3 or 4 cc, sort of confused me but I left with adequate restriction.

-Soon afterwards I developed a redness underneath the port area, after taking two rounds of Antibiotics after a month it was gone

- 3rd and last fill 1cc begining of April taking me to 4-5 cc

all was fine for about a month, and I got this little sore bump on the port site, the sorenes diminished mut the whole area started geting hard, but no redness

- Begining of june noticed a redness again

- put on Amox Clav for 7 days changed to Levoflaxocine 500 twise a day 10 days,

-abscess cut open to allow drainage

- Gastroscospyy showed band was quite tight and there was a bit inflamated,

-Port removed all lquid removed 19th June

I may have got some dates and fills wrong but its more or less the story, Ill add more detail and update the slideshow

Im hoping someone who has had the same problem can give advice on how to efectivly heal the hole left on my belly.

the hole its getting changed/packed daily with Aquacel Ag or mesch the guazed get changed 3 times a day, im getting clonflicting ideas on how best to treat this, any advice would be much apretiated.

I want repack the hole/wound 2 times a day but some say the Aquacel Ag needs to be in there at least 24hours, its still quite damp needing to change the guazes at least every 8 hours.

Thanks in advance for your help

30/6/2012, updated a few picks on the slideshow, stitches out, ordered Aquacel ag 1cm x 45 cm, from the UK could only find 2.5 x 45 here, 2.5 cm is to wide, wounds seems to be healing a little but still deep maybe 4 to 5 cm

regaining appetite but maintaining weight loss,

not on any antibiotics

will see a local surgeon next week.

[DaBlockzPRbabii 30]

Wow sorry that happened to you. Although i cant offer any advice i am interested in knowing more about this. What about the fill caused the infection?

Im sure your dr is very knowledgeable but im from MA and we have " wound clinics" i would look into that they have staff who know how to properly and effectively deal with open wounds.

Best of luck to you and I look forward to reading about your updates and progress take care.

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Wow.

All I know about closing that hole is that it'll take a lot of patience. I had 2 holes that refused to close after my breast reduction and had to keep packing them with the gel and sterile gauze for several months. They did eventually close, though.

Good luck!

[Grandma3 73]

Wow, that looks like a nasty infection.

Will they give you another port in a new location after you heal?

Good Luck to you, hope you heal soon.

[SeanM 1]

They will put a new port in if it heals, not sure if I want one

The nurses are good but a wound specialist would maybe give me more peace of mind, I'm nog sure if the have that here, I'll ask

My main question now is do I pack it one or twice a day and shoul I use Aquacel ag ?

I wonder what the others that have had ports removed did?

They think the infections due to the fill but that's the good option there's no erosion but there was some inflammation where the band is placed, so I'm hoping that isn't the cause.

Thanks for your comments

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

I can't remember how often I was supposed to change the packing. At least once a day, for sure, using both the sterile gauze and the gel.

[adorkbl 156]

No advice. Just wanted to post and say I am sorry you have to go through this. I hope it heals quickly and closes up.

[SeanM 1]

No advice. Just wanted to post and say I am sorry you have to go through this. I hope it heals quickly and closes up.

thanks for your support, can you tell me , when you had your port replacement how long did it take to heal?

[Daisy Duke 0]

Can I ask how they went about doing a port removal? I'm having mine removed soon due to complications with the port due to pregnancy and I'm terrified!

[mllevert 2]

Daisy-- you're gonna be fine-- try not to worry too much-- I know, easier said than done. I had full lapband removal because of my infection (which I wanted, so I didn't even try to keep the band). From reading the boards, it looks like if it's a removal of the port without infection, it should be somewhat straightforward. personally, if any is wrong with the port, I say, get it fixed the sooner the better. Being pregnant, there is always added worries, but once you get it sorted out, you will feel a lot better.

[JACKIEO85 308]

Port-site infection

Port-site infections can be classified as early and late. Early infections will manifest with the cardinal signs of erythema, swelling and pain. These infections typically occur within the immediate postoperative period and may be reduced by the use of perioperative antibiotics. Early infection with cellulitis alone may be treated with oral antibiotics. If the response is inadequate, then intravenous antibiotic use is warranted. When the infection does not respond to intravenous antibiotics and is limited to the port, the port should be removed and the tubing knotted and left inside the abdomen. Once the local infection is resolved, a new port may be placed and tubing connected with laparoscopic guidance. Late port site infections are often caused by delayed band erosion with ascending infection. This usually manifests several months after surgery and can be associated with loss of restriction. These infections typically do not respond well to antibiotic treatment. If left undetected, band infection can evolve into potentially life-threatening intra-abdominal sepsis. Gastroscopy will confirm the diagnosis of band erosion. This complex clinical scenario is treated most expeditiously by removal of the band.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

[balbuquerque 85]

hi sean wanted to know how you are doing?

[SeanM 1]

Hi Balbu , Nearly a year has passed, what a horrid summer of 2012, it took 3 months to heal,

im lucky the medical insurance doesnt count nurse visits against me, I havent had any problems since,

I havent even been to see the doctor, I need to at least get a fluoroscopy done to see if the band is in place,

The initial idea was to get the port replaced but really not in the mood to go back in to surgery, I will eventually have to either get the band our or get another port fitted, when I get the courage..

I have gained a little weight and have virtually no restriction, im eating better but with no restriction it is a battle.

my lowest weigh was 93Kg my highest 112 and im at 95 now, so i think im doing ok, energy and activity is good

I got an Angel Juicer and hope to substitute evening meals, I think this will help,

thanks for your comments when I take the next step ill be sure to post it..