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What Causes A Dark Black Patch Near The Laparoscopic Gallbladder Incision Site?

Posted on Mon, 13 Nov 2017

Question: Hello Doctor,
There is a dark black patch of skin around the top puncture site ( near diaphragm) of laproscopic gall bladder operation. the operation happened 10 years back and the stitches were all healed. the skin around this site became darker and darker , spreading very slowly and now it's black. the area is around a coin size and there is no bump or any moles there, only the skin is black. Is there anything that we should be looking for.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload an image

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I am D. kakkar(Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.

Perhaps the dark spot is due to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or a Fixed Drug Eruption(FDE). An image would help me analyse it better. You may upload a good quality image in "Reports Section". Are there any symptoms associated with the patch?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)

Hi Doctor, attached the picture for your reference. no there is no other symptoms here..And the patch has not increased rapidly or such , it is same since last couple of years or at least that is what is noticeable by naked eyes. Just to remind the bulge at operation site is 10 years old as the operation happened then only. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding the skin concern around laproscopic scar.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the image.
There is obviously a slight identation/ depression/ shallow cavity/ crevice due to contracture of laparoscopic scar resulting in accumulation/ trapping of dead skin, hair and perhaps dried soap (used during bath). Moreover moisture and lack of proper cleaning, perhaps also a superimposed fungal infection together resulting in simmering inflammation over the years and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation leading to a clinical picture similar to an unclean umbilicus!!
I would suggest you to use a combination topical antibacterial, antifungal and a mild topical steroid preparation e g Neosporin ointment (polymyxin B and Neomycin and Bacitracin) and Cortisone cream (1% hydrocortisone) either used together or preferably an hour apart from each other.. Use twice daily. Clean the area daily yet gently after bath (when it would be moist) so that nothing remains pent up inside.. Do it daily for a few days.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Thanks Doctor, will do that. So prima facie it is a benign thing and is curable. right?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Benign skin condition. Nothing serious

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

yes, it is curable. It requires care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vishesh Rohatgi

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 minutes later)

Thanks Sir..Thanks a lot.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
thank you for writing to us.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar