[Giant seroma following the Blalock-Taussig shunt using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE) graft: a case...

A 15-month-old girl, who was diagnosed asplenia, underwent Blalock-Taussig shunt using EPTFE tubular graft. Postoperatively, discharge containing high concentrations of protein continued to drain from pleural drainage. On the 23rd postoperative day, extirpation of seroma (4 x 3 x 3 cm) and wrapping of the graft using processed porcine pericardium were performed. However, pleural discharge did not decrease and caused atelectasis. On the 38th postoperative day, extirpation of seroma (4.5 x 6 x 14 cm) and partial lobectomy were performed. Pleural effusion persisted with decreasing quantity until the graft was obstructed. Ultimately on the 79th postoperative day, central shunt using Golaski tubular graft was successfully replaced. Thus, the occurrence of seroma should be borne in mind when EPTFE graft is used for shunt operation.