Is it normal for a cut with staples to have discharge? my husband just had surgery.

A small amount: A small amount of clear discharge may be normal initially, however persistent discharge or a cloudy discharge or pus is not normal and should be checked by the surgeon.

Depends: Some drainage from a fresh surgical incision is common. This drainage is usually pinkish in color and not very much. However large amounts of drainage, foul smelling drainage, and changes in the characteristics of the surgical incision are not normal and should be evaluated further. Either way, your surgeon should be made aware of any issues with the wound.

Yes: A small amount of clear or pinkish fluid from a new surgical wound is normal. If the skin gets increasing redness at the site, or the the discharge becomes a larger amount or thick grayish purulent, then your doctor needs to see the site.