[Formation of a pseudocyst following abdominoplasty]

A 49-year-old woman presented for follow-up examination after an abdominoplasty performed in Germany. She complained of pain in the abdomen and was not satisfied with the final result. The patient presented with a bulging, painful abdomen. The symptoms disappeared for a few weeks after puncture of the seroma, but then returned. Neither haematoma, seroma nor neuroma were found at the first exploration, but a second abdominoplasty revealed a large pseudocyst extending from the epigastric to the supra-pubic area. The pseudocyst was extirpated. Seroma formation is a frequently occurring complication after abdominoplasty, but is ultimately reabsorbed spontaneously. Pseudocyst formation following abdominoplasty is a rare complication, which has been described in the literature only when liposuction was done as well. Liposuction creates multiple channels that result in an open abdominoplasty cavity. Seroma and blood clots provoke an inflammatory response, resulting in a pseudocyst after the formation of a thick capsule. The prevention of seroma and haematoma formation is of essential importance in preventing this rare complication. Sharp dissection, prolonged drainage with high vacuum and a compressive bandage are very important in this connection.