Seroma after small bowel resection

I had 2 small bowel resections and an incisional hernia surgery around 8 weeks ago and since what was a very successful operation I have been concerned about what I am told is a seroma inside the scar line.

I have had this seroma drained 3 times now in which the first time nearly 2 pints of fluid were drained. Since then 300ml has been drained twice more. The surgeon is telling me that he doesnt want to keep draining this due to the risk of infection and that it will gradually disappear. Many websites have advised this should only be a few weeks to a couple of months to happen but other people have told me potentially a year due to the size of the Seroma. Basically I look like a pregnant man as the seroma bulge is right on the front of my stomach with very clear edges as opposed to blending into part of my stomach.

My concern is that a year seems a long time to wait, especially as if it doesnt actually go even then. I cant believe having this fluid sitting stagnant in a cavity in my stomach for that length of time can be good for my health. Surely I should seem some shrinkage by now 8 week on??

Do I have any other options? Im told constant draining will increase risk of infection and is pointless as the cavity will fill up again as it has before. I wondered if I could have a vac-pump fitted to it as I know this would constantly drain the fluid away whilst encouraging quicker healing on the inside.

Dont let this story put you off as the recovery was incredible compared to the same op I had a few years ago. I was sat in my chair 12 hrs after the op, walking in 24 hrs and home 5 days after the op. Considering I was opened up from chest to below my waist band its amazing. The pain relief was really effective too.

If you are having the operation please dont worry too much. I was back to work in just over 3 weeks!!!

[woodsprincess]

        You sound great .I did not do so well after my sugery a year+ ago. I almost died 2 times and was down for a long time.Then made sick with Imuran for 3 more weeks. Sorry I don't know about your other problem. Maybe you can find an online doctor to ask. Hang in their ,I'm pullin for you.

[lizziecee]

Hi and welcome to the Crohn's & Colitis community forum.

I was dx by laparotomy in 1970, as endoscopies and colonoscopies were not available in England then.  I do remember I had a nasal tube that went into my peritoneum that drained out some awful green gooey stuff - this was in for 4 days.

In 2003 I had a lumpectomy for breast cancer then a month later total axillary lymph node removal as the cancer had already spread. This last surgery left me with a large seroma in the top right side of my back that was extremely painful. Either the surgeon or a specliaist bc nurse would drain it with a large syringe, initially getting anywhere from 300 to 500 ml each time. I had to go to the hospital every 2-3 days, by car and ferry, which was extremely uncomfortable.  I guess it took some 4 weeks or so for the seroma to stop filling up. No-one mentioned infection, and I didn't get one, although I did at the site of the tumour resection in my breast,  by having a drain which I emptied myself at home.  

Is it possible for you to see a different surgeon?

Take care,
Liz.

[MrPE]

I had a small bowell resection in December 2008 and my surgeon said it could take a year for it to totally go away. I am a 60 year old man with the same situation as you. Most days it does not bother em and some days it is very tender. i am a physical education teacher and somewhat active with my students so that adds to the discomfort. I'm opting for waiting it out as I don't relish (nor does my doctor) the thought of draining it as most often it will keep filling back up if you do.
Good luck.