Has anyone had one of their laparoscopic gallbladder incisions partially open after surgery?

Questions

I had my gallbladder removed about 10 days ago, and my upper abdominal incision (where the gallbladder was) has partially separated. It isn't draining pus, there's no foul odor, and I don't have a fever, but the skin edges are open enough that I can see pink tissue underneath.

The area burns, is tender when I move, and I've noticed I'm walking stiffly because I don't want to stretch that area. Looking at it honestly makes me feel nauseated, so I'm probably overthinking it.

I called my surgeon's office and the receptionist said they'd leave a message for the doctor to decide what to do, but I'm anxious waiting to hear back. I'm worried about two things: 1) infection, and 2) whether it will leave a larger scar if it heals this way instead of being closed.

Has anyone else experienced this? Did your surgeon leave it alone to heal on its own, use Steri-Strips or glue, or do something else? How did it turn out?

Posted Jul 30, 2026, 2:16 PM UTC

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