<s>[INST] Wife has had laparoscopy and stitch in belly button not healing too well - five days after op she has had bit of blood and a foul smell coming from it - her belly button is quite a closed one rather than open, and maybe this is why it can't scab over? Any suggestions? She is currently sat holding her belly button open for air to get to it, but obviously can't do this all night. [/INST] Hi Thanks for writing in Is sounds like your wife has developed port infection This happens when the patient has slit like umbilicus which is overlooked by adjoining fatty tissue It would be better if you clean it and dress it nicely and take some antibiotic for five days It there is no fever and no regular discharge a sterile dressing with a local antibiotic powder can do the job Hope this helps Do write back in case of concern </s>