How long is it safe to have fluid at hernia site after transflap surgery for breast cancer

[curiousstill]

I have (related to transflap surgery 2 years ago) a hernia, only recently diagnosed.  I have had a large amount of fluid there for months and it is difficult breathing when I bend over or by the end of the day when the fluid accumulates, both hands spread over the area where fluid is accumulated will not cover the size of the area.  It is very uncomftable and limits my activities of daily living and working.  I am tired all the time.  I have been telling doctors about it for several months...how long can I safely wait to have this fluid drained?

What can I do to resolve this?  ie approach with physicians.

Thank you in advance for your expert advise.

curious

[butterflyfuller]

If you had it to do over.. would you get the tram flap reconstruction? Thus far I am wearing prosthesis. It is hot in the summer and awkward for swimsuits and I lot of blouses and dresses are too revealing for me to wear.  I have recently rejoined the dating scene at age fifty five. I am a helathy, young fifty five and I miss wearing nice cothes and swimsuits. I believe the new scars might show with swimsuits even if I get the tramflap reconstuction. Any advice for me? I did not need chemo or radiation.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Hernias are really a common complication of transflap surgery, and this is due to the decreased strength of the muscles and connective tissues.  Fluid accumulation if it causes much pain and discomfort can be addressed by two methods.

The first is through aspiration and drainage, but this is temporary, and would tend to produce a fistula outside the skin, which will continuously drain fluid (and even more comfortable).

Another option is for another surgery to be done to repair the hernia.  This has a more long lasting effect, but would entail another surgery.

Regards.