What are seromas?
A seroma is a build-up of clear bodily fluids in a place on your body where tissue has been removed by surgery. Advertisement. Advertisement. A seroma is a build-up of clear bodily fluids in a place on your body where tissue has been removed by surgery.
How do you manage a seroma?
Seromas that are infected can be drained and treated with antibiotics or other medicines, and the patient will make a full recovery. Though most seromas are harmless, patients should pay attention to them. If a seroma becomes extremely large or if any other complications develop, patients should contact a doctor.
What is seroma collection?
A seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin. Seromas may develop after a surgical procedure, most often at the site of the surgical incision or where tissue was removed. The fluid, called serum, doesn’t always build up right away.
What is seroma drainage?
In some cases, if there is an excessive amount of fluid, the seroma is very painful or it is putting a strain on the stitch line from surgery, it may have to be drained and this is called a seroma aspiration. This involves inserting a needle under the skin and attaching it to a syringe to aspirate the fluid.
How often should seroma be drained?
Traditionally, common treatment encompasses aspiration of the seroma with a syringe and a 14- to 18-gauge needle, performed once or twice a week, and a local compressive bandage.
Should seromas be drained?
If there are any signs of infection, seroma fluid should be drained and sent to microbiology for culture and sensitivity. If there are obvious signs of systemic sepsis or pus is retrieved antibiotics should be considered as per soft tissue infection protocols.
Are seromas painful?
A seroma is a build-up of clear fluid inside the body. It happens most often after surgery. A seroma is not often dangerous, but it can cause pain and discomfort. If you have a seroma, your doctor or care provider can offer advice or relief.
How do you prevent seroma fluid?
Take over-the-counter pain medication for any discomfort or inflammation. If a seroma or seromas do develop, you can apply heat to the area for 15 minutes every few hours. This can help the seroma drain and ease discomfort. If the seroma does not go away on its own, your doctor can drain it or surgically remove it.
Can a nurse practitioner drain a seroma?
If the affected area increases in size or presents with any sign of infection (e.g., redness, pus), a healthcare professional may drain the seroma using a needle and a syringe, a procedure known as aspiration.
Can Urgent Care drain a seroma?
Small hematomas and seromas can safely be observed, but large ones should be drained. The wound may be opened partially along the suture or staple line after consultation with the surgeon. If a seroma is suspected, needle aspiration may be all that is required.
Does heat help seroma?
What type of doctor treats a seroma?
Plastic surgeons experienced in the treatment of soft tissue injuries know that seromas are common.
Can the hospital drain a seroma?
Even though a seroma may feel strange, it’s not a medical emergency. But you can talk to your health care provider if it bothers you. A doctor or nurse can drain the fluid to help you feel better. Make sure to tell your health care team if the bulge hurts, makes you feel sick, or gets bigger.
Should I go to ER for seroma?
When to go to the ER for a seroma?
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have symptoms of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Red streaks leading from the incision.
What is a seroma?
A seroma refers to the accumulation of clear fluid under the skin, typically near the site of a surgical incision. A seroma usually forms after some type of reconstructive surgery, during which dead space is created.
Can a seroma form after surgery?
In some cases, a seroma may form after a very minor surgery. Most seromas, though, will appear after a rather extensive procedure, or one in which a lot of tissue is removed or disrupted. Your surgical team will place drainage tubes in and around the incision to try to prevent a seroma.
How do I choose the best treatment for a seroma?
Fine needle aspiration can be used to draw off fluid. A process called fine-needle aspiration is sometimes used to drain the area. It is also a good way to monitor the volume of fluid leakage. If seromas become a recurring problem and have to be drained often, one option is to fit a drainage tube to keep the area clear.
What does a seroma look like on a dog?
Seromas vary in size and presence of inflammation, but they typically appear as a soft, swollen lump. Small seromas often regress into the body on their own; those that remain can be aspirated using a needle and syringe. If a seroma persists, surgical removal may be considered.