Post Surgical Hematoma

I had endometrial ablation & a tubal ligation approximately 1 month ago.  The dr tried to do the tubal laprascopically, however from previous surgeries there was too much scar tissue and she deemed it unsafe, so had to cut across my pelvis.  I went to the ER tonight, almost a month later, with much pain in my stomach.  After a CT scan, the dr informed me that I have a hematoma between the surgical incision sights.  How long before this resolves itself, is there anything I can do for the pain?  I refuse to take narcotics for pain, as every doctor keeps trying to give me.  Thank you for your time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Postoperative hematoma is basically a localized collection of blood in the surgery site which develops due to some kind of damage to the surrounding blood vessels or as a result of poor aftercare of the patient. The condition is usually characterized by pain or a feeling of fullness in the affected area, along with the overlying skin turning blue or purple.

Sometimes a hematoma resolves on its own, but at other times a repeat surgery to drain the hematoma is needed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.