I have a 33 year old appendectomy scar w/a new large & painful lump on one of the staple sites. severe abdominal pain, low grade fever, all tests neg.

Need more info: Several questions: when was surgery? Was it open or lap? Were there complications? When did this start and what were the circumstances around these symptoms starting? What tests have you had and is the abdominal pain superficial or deep. The differential diagnosis here is big ranging from abscess to suture granuloma to hernia, etc. I would want to see a CT or at least an Ultrasound I the site.

Incarcerated hernia: This sounds quite worrisome for a trapped segment of bowel in your old surgical site. I recommend you getting this treated promptly - especially if you already have fever. A surgeon or an ER would be the type of doctor(s) you need to see. I wonder if you lifted something heavy which may have caused the hernia to occur? Please see a doctor NOW who would know about these things - a surgeon is best.

Possible stitch: Sometimes many years after surgery people developed what is called a stitch granuloma and these can be infected or sterile. Either way, it can be solved by surgical excision. Fever is a concern and a CT scan may be in order if not done. Next step will be surgery. www.drlugo.com