My Mum had a hernia repair ten days ago.  Two days ago she developed a fever and abdominal pain.  She was admitted into the hospital, had a cat scan and an abscess was discovered.  A drain was also put in.  Today she was told that a sample of her drain discharge has bacteria in it that  should only be in the intestines.  She was told she might have to have the netting removed.  Does this sound right.  She is 65, diabetic, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and bi-polar
Hi. Thanks for your question and understanding of the problem. Since your Mother is diabetic, the mesh should be removed immediately as the mesh is going to act as a foreign body and the infection will not respond to any antibiotic till the mesh is removed. Rest everything sounds right ; of course except for the infection. Request the Doctor to remove the mesh at the earliest. Let your Mother be in the hospital till she is completely recovered. She will need a very careful control of diabetes and high blood pressure. Follow the advice strictly, Your Mother will be fine soon.