HEMATOMA AND SEROMA: CAUSES, CLINICAL PICTURE AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Surgical complications remain a frustrating aspect of medical practice. For a variety of reasons, these events can occur, resulting in a longer and more costly recovery. Postoperatively, it is important for the surgeon to carefully evaluate all surgical wounds, the patient's intake and output, temperature profiles, pain levels, activity levels, and nutritional status. By combining medical care with the commitment of the operated individual to maintain their own rest, the chances of a better prognosis are greater. This narrative literature review brought together articles from the PUBMED and SciELO databases aiming to highlight the clinical picture, the main causes and treatment for cases of seroma and hematoma. It was concluded that the prevention of complications begins in the preoperative assessment and goes through all surgical phases. It is urgent, therefore, to evaluate prophylactic measures for specific cases, such as the implantation of polytetrafluoroethylene meshes and surgeries performed on patients with coagulopathies. The precision of the treatment in some situations can prevent severe infections or other more serious impairments from leading the patient to death, making discernment of the clinical picture essential for the doctor to begin his therapeutic approach.