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Composition of postabdominoplasty seroma
Patricio Andrades1, Arturo Prado
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chile School of Medicine, Del Mirador 2255 D, 1001 Vitacura, Santiago, Chile. patomed@tutopia.com
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
|July 31, 2007
Summary
Postabdominoplasty seroma fluid analysis reveals it is an exudate. Initially inflammatory, it later develops characteristics resembling lymph, offering insights into wound healing after abdominal surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Seroma fluid formation is a common complication after abdominoplasty.
- Understanding seroma composition is crucial for managing post-surgical fluid collections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the biochemical and cellular composition of postabdominoplasty seroma fluid.
- To compare seroma fluid with blood and lymph.
- To determine if seroma fluid meets the criteria for an exudate.
Main Methods:
- 18 female patients with Matarasso type 4 deformity undergoing abdominoplasty were enrolled.
- Seroma fluid samples collected via drains (post-op days 5-7) and aspiration (post-op days 15-20).
- Fluid composition analyzed for protein, LDH, cholesterol, and cell counts; compared to blood and lymph using statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Seroma fluid showed lower protein, LDH, and cholesterol than blood, but higher than lymph.
- Seroma-to-plasma ratios: protein ~0.5, LDH ~0.6, cholesterol ~0.32.
- Low platelet counts in late seroma; low leukocyte counts with neutrophil predominance.
Conclusions:
- Postabdominoplasty seroma fluid is classified as an exudate.
- Early seroma exhibits inflammatory characteristics.
- Late seroma fluid transitions to have some lymph-like properties.
