Postoperative Seromas after Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Resection: Natural History and Progression

Jad M El Abiad1, Kelly M Bridgham2, Gregory R Toci1, Carol D Morris1,3, Justin M Sacks2, Laura M Fayad1,3,4, Stephanie A Terezakis5 and Adam S Levin1,3*

1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, USA
2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, USA
3Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, USA
4Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University, USA
5Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, USA

^*Correspondance to: Adam S Levin 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2875

Abstract

Introduction: Following wide surgical excision of deep soft-tissue sarcomas, particularly those that are large and underwent preoperative radiation, patients may develop a seroma despite prolonged surgical drain placement. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history of these fluid collections to better counsel patients regarding expectations. Materials and Methods: We reviewed data on 48 patients with seromas after extremity soft-tissue sarcoma resection to determine the natural history of these seromas and which patient and treatment factors are associated with seroma resolution, which was assessed using advanced imaging. Kaplan- Meier and univariate analyses determined predictors of time to resolution. Alpha=0.05. Results: Twenty patients had complete seroma resolution at a mean (standard error) 50 (7.0) months postoperatively. Complete resolution occurred at higher rates among men (56%) vs. women (24%); patients who did not undergo postoperative radiation (49%) vs. those who did (11%); and patients with initial seroma size <85 cm3 (61%) vs. ≥ 85 cm3 (17%) (all, p<0.05). Factors associated with shorter mean (standard error) time to resolution were upper-extremity involvement (6.2 [2.7] months) vs. lower-extremity involvement (52 [7.2] months); and initial seroma size <85cm 3 (14[1.7] months) vs. ≥ 85 cm3 (76 [7.5] months) (both, p<0.05). Discussion: Most seromas after extremity soft-tissue sarcoma resection shrank over time. Male sex, lack of postoperative radiation, and initial seroma size <85 cm3 were associated with complete resolution. Initial seroma size <85 cm3 were associated with faster resolution.

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Cite the article

El Abiad JM, Bridgham KM, Toci GR, Morris CD, Sacks JM, Fayad LM, et al. Postoperative Seromas after Soft- Tissue Sarcoma Resection: Natural History and Progression. Clin Surg. 2020; 5: 2875..