Port Incision Problems

Dragnet · June 29, 2009

I was banded with the Realize Band in 10/2008. And about 3 weeks out, my port incision came partially open and about 4 to 6 ounces of Fluid (tannish/reddish tint in color) came out. The fluid had no odor, nor was there any pain. I immediately called my doctor who promptly put few stitches in and did a culture. However, no infection was found.

After a few weeks of drainage (and daily changes of bandages), the doctor decided to remove the port and clean out the wound (December 2008). Every indication of this wound indicated some sort of port infection or band erosion, but without any sign of infection present. So, after wound care for 4 months, the incision healed. BTW, I also had an endoscopy in 2/09 to determine if there was really erosion. The Gastro doctor saw something that might have been erosion. But the digital film was inconclusive.

In 5/2009, I went back to surgery. By this time I had lost 50 pounds without a fill (no port). In this surgery, the doctor was going to scope me to determine if there was really erosion of the band. If there was, the band would be removed, and a sleeve gastrectomy was going to be performed. Although, I did not really want this (too costly), I went along with it because I still needed to lose 70 more pounds and I did not want to regain my original weight back. Fortunately, the scope indicated that there was no erosion, so a new port was put in on the other side. During surgery, I also got my first fill of 4cc :rolleyes2:

Two weeks later, I got another fill of 2ccs for a total of 6ccs. I still hadn't felt restriction and was continuing to limit my food intake on my own. But then, about a week later (3 weeks after surgery in May), my port incision became a little sore, and the same thing happened again. A lot of fluid (4-6 oz) came out and then the steady (but slower) drain. I called my doctor who immediately sent me to wound care (the next day) and put me on antbiotics as a safety measure.

Again, a culture was taken, and no bacteria/infection (internally nor externally) was found. I am now going to wound care 3 times a week.

I have contacted the Realize Band people to see if they have seen this, but they insist that they have not. I have an investigative case open there. I am also due to have another endoscopy in a few weeks (with both my surgeon and the Gastro doctor present) to confirm or disallow errosion.

I personally believe that my body has some sort of alergic reaction to the port material. The Realize Band Engineers indicate that this material is silicone and PEEK (poly etheretherketone). I know that I am not allergic to silicone, so it must be the PEEK. I've requested another port material or even to use the Lapband port, but they indicate that this is not possible.

If the wound does not heal, then my doctor will be forced to remove the band. There is still no explanation as to why this is happening. Has anyone else experienced this? Or is anyone else in the universe allergic to PEEK? If so, please let me know Thanks!

Edited June 29, 2009 by Dragnet

CarolineDC · June 30, 2009

Your description sounds like what I was told to expect would happen if the seroma below my port incision started draining. I'd think one of the doctors you've seen would recognize that, though. Hopefully you can get some answers or a resolution soon!

Dragnet · June 30, 2009

Thanks CarolineDC. The Fluid is a known factor. The non-healing of the incision (all the way to the port) is the concern/question. When the port is removed, the healing process begins. That is where (IMHO) I think that I am having some sort of reaction to the port material.

angwallace14 · June 30, 2009

Hi I have experienced a few of the same experiences as you. I had my surgery in november of 08 I healed with no problems!!! I then went in to get a fill and they could never seem to be able to so then we went in for a xray and my port had flipped so i had another surgery in april of 09 to have that fixed well I still have not healed. My open spot has gotten much smaller has yours? There is no infection for me either. I am now packing the wound myself every night and my surgeons say that it is getting smaller but my patience is running out! Oh by the way i have the lap band and I don't believe that i am allergic to the port because I healed very easily the first time so i just don't know what is going to happen next! thanks for listening to me I hope things go well for you keep me updated

Angela

Dragnet · July 9, 2009

Hello Angela,

Thanks for your post. My incision has only slightly improved (depth and width). I am still continuing to go to wound care 3 times/week. I am however going to have an endoscopy on tomorrow (7/9/09) to determine if there is erosion. I'll keep you posted.

Dragnet · July 14, 2009

Hello. Just wanted to update my status. The endoscopy showed erosion. Hopefully, the root cause of the erosion will be determined. In the meantime, I am making preparations to remove my band. It has not been a total waste of time (I've lost 57 pounds thus far). I will try to maintain diet and exercise (the old fashion way) to continue losing.

So, if anyone has had their band removed, and has kept on track, I'd like some ideas. Thanks!