Post-Surgery Complication: Subcapsular Hematoma of Liver

[NewYorkStateofMind 10]

Just got home from my second stay at the hospital. My initial recovery was going great. Had my VSG on August 10th and had only spent one night in the hospital. Was strictly following my post-op meal plan and even had lost just about twenty pounds. All was fine till one night I felt a sharp pain in the lower right part of my stomach. That pain eventually moved to the center of my stomach. Around midnight I finally called my surgeon's emergency number when I began to feel left shoulder pain. It started as short, subtle jabs and progressively became more and more painful. Eventually becoming the worst pain I've ever felt...like a sword being thrust between my bone and muscle. Promptly got myself to the hospital.

My fear was I had a staple leak. My blood pressure had skyrocketed (I lost 54 lbs pre-op, and had it down to close to a healthy 120/80).

Following the most painful ER experience that I've ever had (though the staff was great) found myself with an unexpected result: subcapsular hematoma of liver or in layman's terms internal bleeding/clotting. They quickly got me on pain medicine, fluids, and a bunch of blood-related medicines I was too pained to remember. Thankfully after four or five days, they were able to resolve the issue without surgery. They sent me home, though now it will be several weeks before I can return to work.

My doctor thinks that when my liver was moved during surgery, the clamping device caused bruising which developed into an open wound thanks to my body's reaction to the blood thinners. This was a tad ironic as I started the pre-surgery liquid diet early and it seemed like the doctor was happy with the size right afterward.

Has anybody else had this complication? It should be noted that my doctor said this was extremely rare, so much so I'm the second ever patient of his to have this issue happen. Please don't let this discourage you from your surgery. Still very glad I made the decision I did, though I'm eager to get back to work and my original recovery.

[J San 1,072]

Glad to hear your good now and on the road to recovery. At least you didn't have the same boring results as the rest of us. Best of luck on your recovery!!!

[GreenTealael 25,545]

Safe recovery!

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

So glad your outcome of this complication has been a good resolution. I hope you heal and wish you good luck on this journey.