What's an encapsulated seroma and how dangerous are they?

Question

I had a TT with MT 7 months ago & got drained 2x. I had a MRI & was told it was fluid above navel (5.8 X 5.8 x 5.9 if I remember correctly). Same size 5 months now. Brought disc to PS & told me it was encapsulated seroma & it wouldn't make sense to drain because it would just refill. I plan to get it cut out but I might have to postpone. No pain, a little tight but I've been stretching. My question is how dangerous would this be if I MUST postpone? Is there any chance it would reabsorb?

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for writing,Lets define some terms first. Seroma means a fluid pocket. Oma in latin means mass and sero mean a type of fluid. So you have a fluid mass or pocket. The pocket that has formed around the fluid is generally scar (encapsulated) and will usually not absorb the fluid. To give you the best results your plastic surgeon is correct, remove the scarred sac and you have removed the fluid pocket. Typically you will need a drain and probably a girdle of some type while the two surfaces (belly wall and skin) scar together. The pocket is gone contour is improved and you will do very well.These things happen periodically, your surgeon is doing the right thing. These are not dangerous, but check with your plastic surgeon to see what he / she thinks of your timing request.I hope this helpsStephen M. Davis, MD FACS

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

There is no danger in waiting but the encapsulated seroma will most likely not resorb. Once the collection of fluid (seroma) is surrounded by scar tissue (capsule), the treatment involves the surgical resection of the capsule and drainage of the seroma. Hope this helps.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Encapsulated seroma is scar tissue which has developed around a seroma or fluid pocket.  It will not resorb the fluid and can become very hard and uncomfortable with time.  There is no physical danger to you as long as you do not have an infection however in my experience this type of scar tissue must be removed to get rid of the feeling of firmness.

What's an encapsulated seroma and how dangerous are they?

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