| Seroma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A seroma on a man's right ear. | |
| Specialty | Surgery |
| Causes | Surgery (particularly breast surgery, abdominal surgery, reconstructive surgery) |
| Diagnostic method | Physical signs, CT scan |
| Treatment | Surgical drain |
A seroma is a pocket of clear serous fluid (filtered blood plasma). They may sometimes develop in the body after surgery, particularly after breast surgery, abdominal surgery, and reconstructive surgery. They can be diagnosed by physical signs, and with a CT scan.
Seromas can be difficult to manage. Serous fluid may leak out naturally, and a persistent leak can cause problems. Fluid can be drained, including by inserting a drain surgically. Seromas can be prevented through careful surgery, and drains can be inserted before they form. Patient posturing and position can reduce risk, as well as breast binding after breast surgery.