Differential Diagnosis for Burning and Pain at Port Site

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Postoperative infection or wound infection: This is a common complication following surgical procedures, including those involving port sites. Symptoms such as burning and pain can be indicative of an infectious process.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Neuroma formation: After surgery, especially at port sites, nerve endings can form neuromas, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Adhesive or chemical irritation: Certain materials used in surgical procedures or postoperative care can cause skin irritation, leading to burning sensations.
  • Suture or staple reaction: Allergic reactions or irritation from sutures or staples used to close the port site can cause pain and burning.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Necrotizing fasciitis: Although rare, this is a severe infection that can quickly progress and is life-threatening if not promptly treated.
  • Abscess formation: A collection of pus that can develop at the port site, which, if not properly managed, can lead to serious complications.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE): While less directly related to the port site itself, these conditions can be associated with recent surgery and immobility, and their consequences can be fatal.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that can occur after surgery, characterized by severe, burning pain.
  • Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which could potentially be localized to a port site in rare instances.
  • Foreign body reaction: A rare reaction to a foreign object left in the body during surgery, which could potentially cause pain and burning at the port site.