Three days postoperatively after a cholecystectomy, yellow thick drainage is observed on the dressing. This type of drainage is called which?

Three days postoperatively after a cholecystectomy, yellow thick drainage is observed on the dressing. This type of drainage is called which?

• A. Sanguineous exudate
• B. Serous exudate
• C. Serosanguineous exudate
• D. Purulent exudate

Answer: (D)

Purulent exudate is thick, opaque drainage that resembles pus and is typically yellow or creamy. This type signals infection or contamination of the wound. After a cholecystectomy, seeing yellow, thick drainage a few days postoperatively raises concern for an infectious process around the surgical site, warranting assessment and possible culture or treatment. Other drainage types include serous exudate, which is clear and watery; serosanguineous exudate, which is pink to light red due to a mix of serum and blood; and sanguineous exudate, which is bright red and primarily blood. The yellow, thick appearance fits purulent exudate best.

Purulent exudate is thick, opaque drainage that resembles pus and is typically yellow or creamy. This type signals infection or contamination of the wound. After a cholecystectomy, seeing yellow, thick drainage a few days postoperatively raises concern for an infectious process around the surgical site, warranting assessment and possible culture or treatment.

Other drainage types include serous exudate, which is clear and watery; serosanguineous exudate, which is pink to light red due to a mix of serum and blood; and sanguineous exudate, which is bright red and primarily blood. The yellow, thick appearance fits purulent exudate best.