What is the Difference Between Seroma and Hematoma

The key difference between seroma and hematoma is that seroma is a collection of clear serous fluid in the wound, while hematoma is a collection of blood in the wound.

Seroma and hematoma are two common surgery-related complications. They may develop within the first 24 hours after surgery. Hematoma and seroma formation in surgical wounds may have negative effects on the wound-healing process. However, hematoma and seroma often resolve on their own. If not, they can be drained surgically.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Seroma 
3. What is Hematoma
4. Similarities – Seroma and Hematoma
5. Seroma vs. Hematoma in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Seroma vs. Hematoma

What is Seroma?

Seroma is an abnormal accumulation of clear serous fluid containing plasma and lymphatic fluid in a dead space. Seroma can be commonly seen in surgical wounds. It can also develop after an injury. It is often harmless and heals naturally. Seroma can form due to abdominal wall reconstructions, hernia repairs, removal of tumor masses, plastic surgeries (tummy tuck and breast surgeries), breast removal surgery, and liposuction. Moreover, the symptoms of seroma may include serious pain and discomfort, a soft, tender, swollen, lump-like large cyst that discharges clear fluid, redness, and erythema. The complications involved in seroma include an increased risk of infection and developing a fibrous capsule that complicates drainage.

Seroma can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and ultrasound. Furthermore, treatment options for seroma may include pain medications such as NSAIDs, aspiration using a needle and syringe, and surgical removal.

What is Hematoma?

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the larger blood vessels. It develops most commonly after post-trauma, injury, and surgery. Hematoma is also known as a blood suffusion or a bruise. Hematoma reduces tissue perfusion. It also increases wound tension, which may affect the wound-healing process. Moreover, the symptoms of hematoma may include pain, progressive swelling, redness, disfiguring bruises, ecchymosis, and hemorrhagic bullae. Complications of hematoma include an increased risk of infection and irritation of adjacent organs and tissues due to inflammation.

Hematoma can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, and CT scan. Furthermore, treatment options for hematoma may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE method), OTC pain medications like Tylenol or Advil, and surgical drainage.

What are the Similarities Between Seroma and Hematoma?

• Both seroma and hematoma are two common surgery-related complications.
• They may develop within the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Both may have negative effects on the wound-healing process.
• Both can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests.
• They can be drained surgically.

What is the Difference Between Seroma and Hematoma?

Seroma is a collection of clear serous fluid in the wound, while hematoma is a collection of blood in the wound. Thus, this is the key difference between seroma and hematoma. Furthermore, seroma is triggered by abdominal wall reconstructions, hernia repairs, removal of tumor masses, plastic surgeries such as tummy tuck and breast surgeries, breast removal surgery, liposuction, and injury. On the other hand, the hematoma is triggered by post-trauma, injury, and surgery.

The infographic below presents the differences between seroma and hematoma in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Seroma vs. Hematoma

Sometimes, complications can happen after surgery. The most common complications may include shock, haemorrhage, wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary complications, urinary retention, reaction to anaesthesia, seroma, and hematoma. Seroma is a collection of clear serous fluid in the wound, while hematoma is a collection of blood in the wound. Furthermore, seroma may come back after treatment, whereas hematoma does not recur. So, this summarizes the difference between seroma and hematoma.

Reference:

1. “Seroma – An Overview”  ScienceDirect Topics.
2. Quinn, Elizabeth. “What Is a Hematoma?” Verywell Health, Verywell Health.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Serom Ear” By Gustav Broennimann – Own work (CC BY 3.0 ch) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bruise Hematoma from abuse of spouse” By Jane Fox – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia