HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Fluid Pockets In The Abdomen, Upper Thigh And Pubic Area?

default
Posted on Thu, 9 May 2024
Question: HI

I had a prostatectomy and also my pelvic lymph nodes removed. I think I have fluid in my abdomen. Also for the last two days, starting in afternoon, I have had what looks like fluid pockets about, 150 ml, in my upper thigh - perhaps as well in pubic area. It pretty well goes away over night. I have a picture I could send.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seroma as seen in picture.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Lymph node along with lymphatic duct forms lymphatic channels which drain lymph.When ever lymph nodes are removed from a particular area these lymphatic channels are damaged therefore lymph starts to deposit in fatty spaces.This is something very natural after surgery involving removal of lymph nodes.This condition is medically termed as seroma.The seroma may go away on its own within a few weeks or months. Body slowly absorbs the fluid. No medicine will make it go away faster.
Slowly and slowly as time passes by collateral small lymphatic channels would be developed by body.
As of now unless you have pain fever or any other symtoms this is normal.
However a doppler ultrasound could be done to make sure if the fluid is lymph and not blood or anything else.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (8 minutes later)
HI Dr XXXXXXX

Thanks - so are you saying new channels will (probably) form to and also will old open channels either get sealed off or be diverted into new channels.

thanks again
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probably but not always sir.

Detailed Answer:
Hello agsin,
Sir basically there are a number of different theories given by various scientists but the most common one is the new and small vessels are often formed in long runs by a natural process called angiogenesis.However its not seen in every patient.Rule of thumb is unless and until there is a complication nothing is done.Wait and watch is the policy.In case of any complication fluid is drained by inserting a catheter.
Old channels are destroyed and collateral small connecting vessels would branch off from them only.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)
Last questions

1) I think I have had fluid in my abdomen since the drain was removed - could this be a good sign that channels are forming from abdomen to leg lymph nodes (operation was 6 weeks ago)

2) Any chance this could be urine?

3) I had started to do lifting the day this started of about 25 lbs I had no pain at all - any chance this was involved

thanks again
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for follow up Dear XXXXXXX
Answers are as follows
1)Build up of any sort of fluid in abdomen is very risky and could cause the patient to land up in conditions like severe sepsis or septic shock(mortal in 90% of cases).
So this is not happening.
Lymph in body moves from one place to another under the influence of gravity.Very liklely on lying down the fluid moves towards your abdominal spaces while when you stand up it moves in spaces in your groin area.

2)No way urine contains a lots of toxins a good culture medium for bacteria's fungus etc.You must be under a lots of antibiotics etc if this would be the case.So no way it could not be urine or even blood.

3)Except inguinal hernia no other possibility is there just due to lifting.However after any major surgery weights should be avoided for minimum 8-10 weeks.
Do tread mill and cardio till that time.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (10 hours later)
Ok Sorry one very very last follow up

1) These bulges are below the fold - however I may be puffy above the fold - it does not seem to be a mass and I have no pain - does that make it unlikely to be an inguinal hernia?

2) Is there much chance this could turn into serious lymphedema

thanks
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hey XXXXXXX
You can ask as many questions you want XXXXXXX i would be happy to answer you,
1)Inguinal hernia is purely a diagnosis of examination sir.
No one can comment on it without examining you.However as there is a latest history of surgery very likely cause is lymph accumulation sir.
2)Chances are always there however its rare.Medical science varies from person to person so predictions are very difficult but veey likely chances are rare.

Thanks.
Feel free to follow up.
If you are helped do rate my answers.
Any suggestion to make answers better are welcome.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Fluid Pockets In The Abdomen, Upper Thigh And Pubic Area?

Brief Answer: Seroma as seen in picture. Detailed Answer: Hello, Lymph node along with lymphatic duct forms lymphatic channels which drain lymph.When ever lymph nodes are removed from a particular area these lymphatic channels are damaged therefore lymph starts to deposit in fatty spaces.This is something very natural after surgery involving removal of lymph nodes.This condition is medically termed as seroma.The seroma may go away on its own within a few weeks or months. Body slowly absorbs the fluid. No medicine will make it go away faster. Slowly and slowly as time passes by collateral small lymphatic channels would be developed by body. As of now unless you have pain fever or any other symtoms this is normal. However a doppler ultrasound could be done to make sure if the fluid is lymph and not blood or anything else. Thank you.