A New Complication

[ElbowRoom]

Just when the hematoma I developed post-op is nearly resolved, and everything has been going well, at 12 weeks I have developed a new complication. The symptoms are a painless swelling beneath the incision (which is very well healed), which feels fluid-filled. It seems to come and go, and is sometimes very pronounced, raising maybe a half inch above the surrounding tissue and maybe 1.5” in diameter.

I finally had to admit this isn’t normal post-op swelling, and went in yesterday to see Hakky. He diagnosed, and confirmed with ultrasound, that I have a seroma. This is a pocket of clear fluid that can develop under and incision from surgical trauma to lymph vessels. It’s relatively benign, but won’t resolve on its own. He agreed there is no sign of infection, and we discussed and developed a plan to deal with it:

On Feb 4, he’s going to use a needle to aspirate and drain off the fluid, which he will send off to culture. If the culture comes back positive, or the seroma recurs after draining (Hakky said 10-20% chance of recurrence, my research says more like 50/50, but he’s the expert), then he want to address it surgically, making a tiny incision and cleaning out the space and filling it it with Vancomycin.

The problem with the surgical option is that the seroma lies somewhat close to the tubing and pump, 7.7mm away at the closest point. If the implant is damaged during the procedure, it converts to an immediate rip-and-replace revision surgery. The seroma surgery carries a 1% risk of infection, which rises to the normal 3% for a revision if revision is required.

This is pretty terrifying, especially considering that other than this fluid pocket everything is going well, the implant works great, and I’m very satisfied with the result. I don’t want to go through the entire surgical recovery again!

I’m hopeful that the needle takes care of it without need for further action, but that’s not how my luck usually runs. If you’re the praying type, please toss one my way for a quick and easy resolution to this issue.

[SWorks17]

Sending a prayer your way brother!

I hope that the aspiration fixes the problem and nothing further is needed.

Hang in there!
SWorks

[Valdekio]

Just when the hematoma I developed post-op is nearly resolved, and everything has been going well, at 12 weeks I have developed a new complication. The symptoms are a painless swelling beneath the incision (which is very well healed), which feels fluid-filled. It seems to come and go, and is sometimes very pronounced, raising maybe a half inch above the surrounding tissue and maybe 1.5” in diameter.

I finally had to admit this isn’t normal post-op swelling, and went in yesterday to see Hakky. He diagnosed, and confirmed with ultrasound, that I have a seroma. This is a pocket of clear fluid that can develop under and incision from surgical trauma to lymph vessels. It’s relatively benign, but won’t resolve on its own. He agreed there is no sign of infection, and we discussed and developed a plan to deal with it:

On Feb 4, he’s going to use a needle to aspirate and drain off the fluid, which he will send off to culture. If the culture comes back positive, or the seroma recurs after draining (Hakky said 10-20% chance of recurrence, my research says more like 50/50, but he’s the expert), then he want to address it surgically, making a tiny incision and cleaning out the space and filling it it with Vancomycin.

The problem with the surgical option is that the seroma lies somewhat close to the tubing and pump, 7.7mm away at the closest point. If the implant is damaged during the procedure, it converts to an immediate rip-and-replace revision surgery. The seroma surgery carries a 1% risk of infection, which rises to the normal 3% for a revision if revision is required.

This is pretty terrifying, especially considering that other than this fluid pocket everything is going well, the implant works great, and I’m very satisfied with the result. I don’t want to go through the entire surgical recovery again!

I’m hopeful that the needle takes care of it without need for further action, but that’s not how my luck usually runs. If you’re the praying type, please toss one my way for a quick and easy resolution to this issue.

I am a praying believer in Jesus and I just prayed for you that this situation would resolve without the need for surgical intervention. Amen

[ElbowRoom]

Sending a prayer your way brother!

I hope that the aspiration fixes the problem and nothing further is needed.

Hang in there!
SWorks

Thank you, it means a lot brother!

[ElbowRoom]

I am a praying believer in Jesus and I just prayed for you that this situation would resolve without the need for surgical intervention. Amen

Thanks brother, I truly appreciate it!

[Kodixx]

ElbowRoom, really sorry to hear that as your recovery seems to have gone very well. I am the praying type, and sending best wishes and prayers for a quick and uncomplicated recovery.

- Chuck

[Nick74]

Just when the hematoma I developed post-op is nearly resolved, and everything has been going well, at 12 weeks I have developed a new complication. The symptoms are a painless swelling beneath the incision (which is very well healed), which feels fluid-filled. It seems to come and go, and is sometimes very pronounced, raising maybe a half inch above the surrounding tissue and maybe 1.5” in diameter.

I finally had to admit this isn’t normal post-op swelling, and went in yesterday to see Hakky. He diagnosed, and confirmed with ultrasound, that I have a seroma. This is a pocket of clear fluid that can develop under and incision from surgical trauma to lymph vessels. It’s relatively benign, but won’t resolve on its own. He agreed there is no sign of infection, and we discussed and developed a plan to deal with it:

On Feb 4, he’s going to use a needle to aspirate and drain off the fluid, which he will send off to culture. If the culture comes back positive, or the seroma recurs after draining (Hakky said 10-20% chance of recurrence, my research says more like 50/50, but he’s the expert), then he want to address it surgically, making a tiny incision and cleaning out the space and filling it it with Vancomycin.

The problem with the surgical option is that the seroma lies somewhat close to the tubing and pump, 7.7mm away at the closest point. If the implant is damaged during the procedure, it converts to an immediate rip-and-replace revision surgery. The seroma surgery carries a 1% risk of infection, which rises to the normal 3% for a revision if revision is required.

This is pretty terrifying, especially considering that other than this fluid pocket everything is going well, the implant works great, and I’m very satisfied with the result. I don’t want to go through the entire surgical recovery again!

I’m hopeful that the needle takes care of it without need for further action, but that’s not how my luck usually runs. If you’re the praying type, please toss one my way for a quick and easy resolution to this issue.

Brother, sorry you’re dealing with this I know it’s stressful, but try not to worry too much. These things usually work out, especially when the implant itself is doing great.I believe everything will be fine, in Jesus’ name. I’ll keep you in my prayers for an easy and quick resolution. Stay positive and keep us posted neighbor.

[ElbowRoom]

Just when the hematoma I developed post-op is nearly resolved, and everything has been going well, at 12 weeks I have developed a new complication. The symptoms are a painless swelling beneath the incision (which is very well healed), which feels fluid-filled. It seems to come and go, and is sometimes very pronounced, raising maybe a half inch above the surrounding tissue and maybe 1.5” in diameter.

I finally had to admit this isn’t normal post-op swelling, and went in yesterday to see Hakky. He diagnosed, and confirmed with ultrasound, that I have a seroma. This is a pocket of clear fluid that can develop under and incision from surgical trauma to lymph vessels. It’s relatively benign, but won’t resolve on its own. He agreed there is no sign of infection, and we discussed and developed a plan to deal with it:

On Feb 4, he’s going to use a needle to aspirate and drain off the fluid, which he will send off to culture. If the culture comes back positive, or the seroma recurs after draining (Hakky said 10-20% chance of recurrence, my research says more like 50/50, but he’s the expert), then he want to address it surgically, making a tiny incision and cleaning out the space and filling it it with Vancomycin.

The problem with the surgical option is that the seroma lies somewhat close to the tubing and pump, 7.7mm away at the closest point. If the implant is damaged during the procedure, it converts to an immediate rip-and-replace revision surgery. The seroma surgery carries a 1% risk of infection, which rises to the normal 3% for a revision if revision is required.

This is pretty terrifying, especially considering that other than this fluid pocket everything is going well, the implant works great, and I’m very satisfied with the result. I don’t want to go through the entire surgical recovery again!

I’m hopeful that the needle takes care of it without need for further action, but that’s not how my luck usually runs. If you’re the praying type, please toss one my way for a quick and easy resolution to this issue.

Brother, sorry you’re dealing with this I know it’s stressful, but try not to worry too much. These things usually work out, especially when the implant itself is doing great.I believe everything will be fine, in Jesus’ name. I’ll keep you in my prayers for an easy and quick resolution. Stay positive and keep us posted neighbor.

Thank you good sir!

[JohnnyBorg]

Hey Elbow - I’m sorry to hear about this complication and am rooting for you. Hoping that the aspiration does the trick and you can just move forward. You’re in great hands with Hakky, it sounds like he’s on top of it and it’s great that there’s a game plan, even in the worst case scenario.

Fingers crossed that the aspiration nips this in the bud and you can put it behind you man!! Keep us updated.

[ElbowRoom]

Hey Elbow - I’m sorry to hear about this complication and am rooting for you. Hoping that the aspiration does the trick and you can just move forward. You’re in great hands with Hakky, it sounds like he’s on top of it and it’s great that there’s a game plan, even in the worst case scenario.

Fingers crossed that the aspiration nips this in the bud and you can put it behind you man!! Keep us updated.

Thanks! I did some research and found for seromas it sometimes takes multiple aspirations to resolve things. So if the seroma recurs after the aspiration I might push Hakky for a few more aspirations to see if that solves it. I really don’t want to go under the knife again if it can at all be avoided.