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Seroma is the most common surgical complication after breast surgery. A seroma may persist for several months, or even years as the surrounding tissue hardens. Large seromas take longer to resolve than small ones, and they are more likely to undergo secondary infection. The remaining serous fluid causes a seroma that the body usually absorbs gradually over time (often taking many days or weeks), but a knot of calcified tissue sometimes remains. Seromas can also sometimes be caused by injury, such as when the initial swelling from a blow or fall does not fully subside. Early or improper removal of sutures can sometimes lead to formation of seroma or discharge of serous fluid from operative areas. The larger the surgical intervention, the more likely that seromas form. It can also be seen after neck surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and hernia repair. Seromas are particularly common after breast surgery (e.g., mastectomy), abdominal surgery, and reconstructive surgery. Cause Ī seroma is usually caused by surgery. Serous fluid is also different from lymph.Ī seroma can usually be felt as a hard mass under the skin. Seromas are different from hematomas, which contain red blood cells, and abscesses, which contain pus and result from an infection. This is composed of blood plasma that has seeped out of ruptured small blood vessels and the inflammatory fluid produced by injured and dying cells. Classification Ī seroma contains serous fluid.
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It was joined with a word-forming element from Greek: oma, with -o-, lengthened stem vowel + -ma suffix, especially taken in medical use as " tumor" or " morbid growth". It is directly derived from Latin: serosus, meaning "watery fluid, whey". Patient posturing and position can reduce risk, as well as breast binding after breast surgery.Īround 16th century CE, the word originated from French: séreux, meaning "watery" later the meaning changed to "of, secreting, or containing serum". Seromas can be prevented through careful surgery, and drains can be inserted before they form. Fluid can be drained, including by inserting a drain surgically.
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Serous fluid may leak out naturally, and a persistent leak can cause problems. They can be diagnosed by physical signs, and with a CT scan. They may sometimes develop in the body after surgery, particularly after breast surgery, abdominal surgery, and reconstructive surgery. Surgery (particularly breast surgery, abdominal surgery, reconstructive surgery)Ī seroma is a pocket of clear serous fluid (filtered blood plasma).
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