My wife had surgery on her rt. Ankle two weeks ago. To remove a cyst. On Thur. 21 Feb. the Dr. had to cut open the wound because it was not healing right. He put stitches on the cut. Today, her ankle is swollen, hot, and tender to the touch, her lower leg is also hot...

What did the doctor say when you called him to report this?

Dr. Off for 3 days

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Originally Posted by daniel10

dr. off for 3 days

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He didn't give you a back-up number to call? Warm and tender to the touch means infection is starting, and white cells are fighting off the germs. You or she can put warm, moist washcloths on it, but she probably needs an antibiotic. We have a terrific nurse on site, so she may have something helpful to say. Stay tuned!

ADDED -- Did she get an antibiotic cream to put on the incision plus bandages?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

He didn't give you a back-up number to call? Warm and tender to the touch means infection is starting, and white cells are fighting off the germs. You or she can put warm, moist washcloths on it, but she probably needs an antibiotic. We have a terrific nurse on site, so she may have something helpful to say. Stay tuned!

ADDED -- Did she get an antibiotic cream to put on the incision plus bandages?

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Yes... antibiotic cream to put on the incision plus bandages? Also pills

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Originally Posted by daniel10

yes...antibiotic cream to put on the incision plus bandages? also pills

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Told her not to remove bandage she takes pills no back up no.

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Originally Posted by daniel10

yes...antibiotic cream to put on the incision plus bandages? also pills

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Antibiotic pills -- or what? (please mention all the details like this when you ask a question)

Is she doing what the doctor said with dressing the incision and taking the pills at the right time?

Because it is A, post surgical; B. warm; C. tender and D. seems to be moving up her leg, I would treat this as an emergency and take her to the emergency room tonight. This is clearly an infection and she probably needs stronger antibiotics, possibly via IV. Do not wait and don't try home remedies - a post-surgical infection always must be treated by a doctor and they need to be serious and aggressive about it. Nothing to mess around with.