A seroma and a hematoma are both surgery-related complications that can affect wound healing, but they have different characteristics:
Seroma:
- Contains serous fluid, which is composed of blood plasma that has seeped out of ruptured small blood vessels and the inflammatory fluid produced by injured and dying cells.
- Sterile collection of fluid under the skin, usually at the site of a surgical incision.
- Common after breast surgery, abdominal surgery, reconstructive surgery, neck surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and hernia repair.
- Diagnosed based on signs on the skin or through CT scans.
- Prevented by optimal surgical hemostasis, placement of drains, and rapid evaluation and evacuation of postoperative fluid collection.
Hematoma:
- Contains blood outside of blood vessels, resulting from a damaged blood vessel wall and blood leakage into surrounding tissues.
- Occurs when a pool of blood collects under the skin after surgery, looking like a bruise.
- Common after injuries to blood vessels, such as veins, arteries, or capillaries.
- Treatment depends on severity, with small hematomas potentially resorbing after a few days, while more severe hematomas may require surgery to drain the accumulated blood.
- A risk of infection is associated with hematomas, as there is no blood supply to the collection of old blood.
In summary, a seroma is a collection of serous fluid under the skin, typically at the site of a surgical incision, while a hematoma is a collection of blood outside blood vessels. Both complications can impact wound healing, but they have different characteristics and treatment approaches.
Comparative Table: Seroma vs Hematoma
Here is a table comparing the differences between seroma and hematoma:
Feature | Seroma | Hematoma |
---|---|---|
Definition | A collection of clear serous fluid in the wound | A collection of blood in the wound |
Formation | Triggered by abdominal wall reconstructions, hernia repairs, removal of breast implants, and other surgeries | Triggered by post-trauma, injury, and surgery |
Appearance | Clear fluid under the surface of the skin, typically around the area of an incision | Pool of blood under the skin, often looking like a bruise |
Effect on Wound Healing | May have negative effects on wound healing | Increases wound tension, affecting the wound healing process and reducing tissue perfusion |
Diagnosis | Diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests | Diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests |
Treatment | Often resolves on its own, but can be drained surgically if needed | Often resolves on its own, but can be drained surgically if needed |
Prevention | Prevention includes attention to surgical hemostasis and placement of drains | Prevention includes proper surgical technique, tissue sealants, platelet gel, and quilting sutures |
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