Surgical Management of Chronic Morel-Lavallée Lesion with Minimal Cosmetic Scarring: A Case Report

Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a closed degloving injury that occurs after traumatic damage to soft tissue, leading to the formation of an encapsulated serosanguinous collection of fluid. Although some MLLs resolve spontaneously, chronic MLLs present with a significant risk of infection and may impede patients' quality of life. Chronic lesions require surgical intervention to evacuate and debride the hematoma, often resulting in severe cosmetic damage postoperatively.

We documented a large 19.4 cm × 4.2 cm × 15.10 cm MLL on the right lateral hip that presented a significant impediment to the patient's daily functions. After the failure of conservative management, the patient was treated surgically through a minimal incision debridement procedure, utilizing a wound drain and vacuum-assisted compressional dressing upon closure. Excellent 1-year post-operative outcomes were achieved with no recurrence of the lesion and limited cosmetic evidence of the MLL.

This case highlights the value of a limited incisional debridement procedure for the management of a chronic Morel-Lavellée lesion. When using this technique, surgeons can effectively treat these lesions with promising short-term outcomes and minimal wound scarring.