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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Seroma After Mastectomy. History Of Radiation. How To Speed Up Fluid Reabsorption?

I have a seroma on one side after a double- mastectomy (surgery was 5 weeks ago). I had a drain in for 15 days and I ve been aspirated 5 times now. My surgeon is not surprised because I had radiation on that side 15 years ago when I had my first breast cancer diagnosis. Is there anything I can do to help speed up the fluid reabsorption - heat, massage, (I m wearing the surgical vest for compression)?
Wed, 11 Sep 2013
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Oncologist 's  Response
The main cause of action for large seromas is to aspirate the fluid content and in some instances, one may need multiple aspirations until the fluid accumulation subside.
Insertion of a draining tube attached to a vacuum device is the preferred choice in many instances of extensive surgeries and in such instances, the draining fluid will be monitored daily in order to find out if the volume of accumulated fluid has gone down to reasonable levels. Once it reaches a minimum amount, the doctors would decide on removing the draining tube as the body itself is able to absorb the small amount of leakage that may take place after removing the draining tube.
In the event of an infected seroma, one may need to take intravenous antibiotics as oral antibiotics may not be adequate in order to settle an infected wound.
In such instances, the patient may also have to be given pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents in order to reduce the swelling as well as to ease the discomfort.
Application of a tight dressing and asking the patient to wear a tight bra with padding in the case of breast related surgeries have also contributed to lessening the incidence of seroma formation. Avoiding unnecessary movements which can aggravate the tissue damages could also help in minimizing the potential for fluid collection.


Regards and take care




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Have Seroma After Mastectomy. History Of Radiation. How To Speed Up Fluid Reabsorption?

The main cause of action for large seromas is to aspirate the fluid content and in some instances, one may need multiple aspirations until the fluid accumulation subside. Insertion of a draining tube attached to a vacuum device is the preferred choice in many instances of extensive surgeries and in such instances, the draining fluid will be monitored daily in order to find out if the volume of accumulated fluid has gone down to reasonable levels. Once it reaches a minimum amount, the doctors would decide on removing the draining tube as the body itself is able to absorb the small amount of leakage that may take place after removing the draining tube. In the event of an infected seroma, one may need to take intravenous antibiotics as oral antibiotics may not be adequate in order to settle an infected wound. In such instances, the patient may also have to be given pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents in order to reduce the swelling as well as to ease the discomfort. Application of a tight dressing and asking the patient to wear a tight bra with padding in the case of breast related surgeries have also contributed to lessening the incidence of seroma formation. Avoiding unnecessary movements which can aggravate the tissue damages could also help in minimizing the potential for fluid collection. Regards and take care