Hello doctor, I had my appendix removal surgery before twenty days via laparoscopy. I am having pain in the right lower abdomen for the past three to four days. Ultrasound shows mild post-operation fluid build-up. I have enclosed my USG report. Is this serious? What does this mean? Please advise on diagnosis and treatment.
Hello. I have seen the reports. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). When anybody has an intra-abdominal inflammation, there will be inflammatory fluids, which is described as a fluid collection. This inflammatory fluid irritates the abdomen and develops a pain. When we do a laparoscopic appendectomy, there will be some inflammatory fluids. After the surgery is done, the surgeon cleans this fluid by the suction. There are many hidden intra-abdominal pouches that may collect some fluids and remain in the abdominal cavity even after the operation. Some surgeons may put an intra-abdominal drain to drain any remaining fluids, while others are satisfied with good suction. Anyway, the minimal remaining inflammatory fluid is not a big deal and will be naturally reabsorbed by the body with the aid of medication. So you now have two reasons for the pain: 1. The operation itself and the healing wound. 2. The remaining intra-abdominal inflammatory fluid.