Seroma or Hygroma Formation After Implantation of an Intrathecal Drug Delivery System or a Spinal Cord Stimulator

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Abstract

Seromas and hygromas may form after implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system or spinal cord stimulator. A seroma is a subcutaneous collection of serous fluid; a hygroma contains cerebrospinal fluid. Both appear as a cystic swelling along a surgical incision site. In most situations, they resolve spontaneously, but careful observation is recommended as they may become infected. With a hygroma, ongoing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid may result in neurological compromise.

Keywords

Postoperative fluid collection Swelling Spinal headache Beta-2 transferrin Needle aspiration 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Anesthesia and Critical CareUniversity of ChicagoChicagoUSA

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