Lymphatic fluid leaks after hysterectomy and LYMPHENDENECTOMY

Oh bless you Mad - I hope it all clears up quickly for you. You can ask your CNS or you could ask on the Macmillan helpline as they do clinical advice too. How annoying as it must feel harder/slower to get back to normal.

I had fluid leak out of my incision on my stomach, not sure it was the same thing but it was wattery yellow pink.  I had an open surgery 4 years ago now, it gave me a fright as there was loads of it.  The first time was in hospital then the next time was 2/3 weeks later when I was on my own, I didn’t get a big amount after that just bits in my dressing. My scar on my stomach took a while to heal but it got there in the end, I had a bit of an infection too. Keep in touch with your gp and the hospital and they will keep you right. Xxx

Hi,

After my operation, with lymph nodes taken out, I noticed the area between my legs was puffy. It wobbled when I walked. One doctor said it was fat!! But it wasn't there before, and now I'm sure it was lymph fluid. It gradually went down.. After about three months my left ankle became bigger than my right one. I asked 4 medical people about this who all seemed to think it wasn't bad and that it was indeed lymph fluid causing it. Its 4 years since my operation and it has got no worse. Maybe if it drains out you won't have the small  problems I had!!!

Hi Madesp, sorry to hear what you are going through.  I had a very similar operation to you.  Mine was a vertical abdominal hysterectomy, which also included having my ovaries removed and lymph nodes (so they could be sampled).  I also had my omentum removed too.  

I was in hospital from Thursday (operation at lunch time) and left the hospital on Monday lunch time.  During my stay in hospital I had a catheter and also a incision/drain (stomach/left hand side near my left hip) to remove whatever might have been building up inside me.  A small amount of clear liquid with some blood came from me into the 'drain bag' (not sure of the correct name for that bag) but not much at all (say 100ml maximum) and this was removed on the Saturday.  

In terms of answering your question no I have not had the yellow clear watery discharge that you are describing and my operation was in October 2021.  

Hi Madesp. It might be a good idea to contact the Macmillan support helpline, number shown below. 

Hugs, Barb xx

Thankyou Mrs BJH

I was needing reassurance more from ladies with this experience.  The doctors have gone to great lengths to explain everything  but its all textbook stuff that iI can look up also .

I know this is rare but still some ladies in the past nay have had similar happenings and would be good for me to know I am not alone.

Hope you are having good day.

Bug hugs

Maddy x

Hi Madesp

I was really interested to read your post. I had a different surgery, but did have my womb out as part of it, hence joining the group. I had exactly the same as you describe, but never seemed to get an answer about it from my team. 

For me, it has never completely disappeared, but it is much better than after surgery when it was pouring out! I had a ct scan while still in hospital, and was just told it was a pelvic collection, where everything had pooled in there after my op. 

I still get the odd spot of this, almost 2 years after surgery. I had my vagina removed as part of my op, so I am sewn up inside,  but I can tell you it still escapes! I had antibiotics for it after surgery but it has never caused me any issues since, other than I do wear a liner every day. It’s not an easy thing to discuss really, so Im glad you posted and I can say you’re not alone! x

Hi Arla  thank you fir the response...yes I'm thinking it was (yours) lymphatic fluid....as my incisions have been glued as well as stitches it cannot escape through the cuts.

Hi Sarah H2

Thank you for replying.

Did you also have lymph nodes removed for testing?

As it seems this is what's causing the leakage.

Thank you for your response.  We know our own bodies and if something isn't right then I will let them know too.

If this doesn't settle then I will ensure something is done.Cannor find much on I Internet.