Recurring Seroma After Hernia Repair with Alloderm

One of the side effects of alloderm is seroma. In general, drainage is done with aspiration and compression. You might want to discuss the treatment futher with you surgeon.

Only my opinion & experience and insights. Take it for what it's worth. If there is foreign material especially gortex ptfe it may never resolve until it is removed. If it is polypylene mesh, you can heal around it. Any other foreign body or permanent suture may eventually require removal. Regional radiation makes it nearly improssible to heal. Make sure there are no fistulas. Instillation of tetracycline or talc or both as a sclerosing agent with percuatenous drain may be useful... more

As was stated below, smooth surface meshes (Alloder, Goretex etc) are associated with recurrent fluid collections (seromas). These do not resolve until the mesh is surrounded by scar tissue (a capsule) and the inflammatory response has subsided. The only treatment is drainage to allow the walls of the cavity to touch each other, compression garments (to maintain this contact until scar keeps it there) and a good dose of PATIENCE. It will heal.

For chronic seromas, you usually need to excise the seroma cavity to prevent recurrence. The other options that you can try first include inserting a new drainage tube and placing it to bulb suction. If the seroma is obvious, you can place the drain by palpation percutaneously. You can use the Seldinger Technique (over a wire or guide) for the safest access. Alternatively, if there is question about the anatomic location of the seroma, then you or an interventional radiologist can place... more