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Published on: July 28, 2020
Outcomes and complications of postoperative seroma cavities following soft-tissue sarcoma resection
Logan M Andryk1, John C Neilson1, Adam N Wooldridge1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
Introduction:
Seroma development is a known complication following extremity and trunk soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) resection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and characterize seroma outcomes and the development of associated complications.
Methods:
A retrospective review of 123 patients who developed postoperative seromas following STS resection at a single institution was performed. Various patient and surgical factors were analyzed to determine their effect on overall seroma outcomes.
Results:
77/123 seromas (62.6%) were uncomplicated, 30/123 (24.4%) developed infection, and 16/123 (13.0%) were symptomatic and required aspiration or drainage for symptom relief at an average of 12.2 months postoperatively. 65/123 (52.8%) seromas resolved spontaneously at an average time of 12.41 months. Seromas in the lower extremity (p=0.028), surgical resection volume >864 cm3, (p=<0.001) and initial seroma volume >42 cm3 (p=<0.001) increased the likelihood of infection. 90% of infected seromas developed the infection within the first three months following initial resection. No seromas which were aspirated or drained ultimately developed an infection following these procedures, though 50% recurred.
Discussion:
Most seromas following STS resection are uncomplicated and do not require intervention, though a large resection cavity >864 cm3 and a large seroma volume >42 cm3 are risk factors for complications.
