Free Fluid In Pelvic Cavity...Explain?

Wondering if anyone can explain or has background knowledge about having excessive fluid (or called "free fluid") in the pelvic or abdominal cavity?

I have had this diagnosed post-op from LAVH. It was found on ultrasound.

I am trying to understand about the findings and what conditions or disease may correlate with free fluid being in the pelvic cavity in excess.

I am facing surgery in 6 days (other complications in addition to this but sense of urgency based upon free fluid). Everything is moving very quickly now after this finding. My surgeon expects to drain the fluid and be able to get a better idea of what it is comprised of once she enters the pelvic cavity during the operation.

I have done many searches and from what I have found there is a sense of urgency in treating the condition pretty much across the board and it is often related to topics on "trauma." But the isn't a definitive explanation for pelvic fluid. Perhaps that may be because on ultrasound it isn't possible to determine exactly what the fluid is whether it be blood or other wise.

Maybe one of you have heard about this condition or experienced yourself. Any help much appreciated.

Blessings

I am 2 weeks post-op with my TAH/BSO and hernia repair. I went home from the hospitral with 2 drains. I was told that because my intestines were sitting on my left side just under the skin from my hernia, I have a lot of fluid in my pelvic cavity where the intestines once sat. I wonder if, in your case, you could have fluid where the uterus once sat? I hate these drains, but the doctor said it's better for the fluid to be out than in. Take care and a good recovery from another surgery!

Karen

Blessings, you may remember me from the Bladder Matters board as I went through testing for a suspected fistula right around the same time you developed leaking.

In my case, a fistula was ruled out after IVP and cystogram. I saw my surgeon for follow-up today and he told me that they would have expected to see free fluid in the pelvic cavity if I did, in fact, have a fistula. So it is possible that the fluid seen on your films was from the bladder. I know that's not what you wanted to hear.

Of course it's possible the fluid is from another source, but I wanted to let you know that it's possible it's urine.

I wish you well with your surgery. I hope that whatever the problem is you'll be completely healed after this next surgery.

Best wishes.

Thank you for your kind responses.

I truly appreciate all that you may have to offer as I try to understand what is happening and what lies ahead.

I have actually decided to see my family doctor tomorrow and discuss the issue of the fluid in my pelvic cavity. With all that is going on inside and complications I feel I need that clarity. My surgeon is excellent but with so much to consider there isn't always time for the explanations that I need to make sense of all this. I thought that would be a very proactive thing to do in seeing my GP.

Surgery is only days away, yet sometimes it can't come soon enough. The fear is great, but so is my hope of getting better. I just can't wait to have a new beginning...second time around.

Blessings

Please continue to contribute if you have anything further to share about fluid in the pelvic cavity. I just thought you never know who may come upon the post and be able to shed some light!

I am not really sure what it was, but an ultra sound I had pre op showed free fluid in my uterus. They were able to tell me that it wasn't blood, I have no idea how they knew that. I think that I had some on the outside of one of my ovaries....which turned out to be quite enlarged.

Sorry, I know that didn't help much. Just thought that I would share that you are not the only one. Maybe the ultrasound tech that performed the scan could tell you their opinion....?

SABA