DEAR DR. GOTT:
I had a mastectomy at the end of 2005. The drain was removed 30 days later. Following that, I developed a seroma. Subsequently, I had to have it drained about every three weeks. Then in March 2006 I had a pulmonary embolism and was put on warfarin. I was advised at that time I had to continue it indefinitely because of a personal history of superficial phlebitis and family history of related conditions.
To date I still have a seroma which must be drained once a month and now my surgeon wants to do another surgery to see what is wrong. Have you ever heard of this problem?
DEAR READER:
A seroma is simply a build-up of fluid that usually follows surgery, especially mastectomy (breast removal). In most cases it disappears on its own. Some seromas may need to be drained, occasionally more than once.
In your case, your seroma has failed to be reabsorbed back into the body and continues to accumulate fluid which, I assume, is causing pain, discomfort or annoyance that necessitates its repeat drainage. It has been more than three years, making this a highly unusual case.
I suggest you take your surgeon’s advice and have the surgery to investigate what is causing the seroma to “stick around” for such a long period of time. He or she can then advise you what to do next to ensure that the seroma does not return.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott