seroma

noun

se·​ro·​ma sə-ˈrō-mə 

plural seromas

: a localized accumulation of clear fluid that sometimes occurs in a part of the body (such as the abdomen or breast) where tissue has been incised, disturbed, or removed during surgery and that may cause swelling and discomfort

Examples of seroma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like all surgical procedures, breast lifts can cause bleeding, seroma (soft, swollen lumps around the incision site that can be drained with the help of a needle), infection, asymmetry, and poor scarring. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Dec. 2023

According to Obeng, general risks from any elective surgeries can include infection, scarring, nerve damage, a seroma [collection of fluid] and a hematoma [collection of blood]. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 1 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Serom, from Serum serum entry 1 + -om -oma

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

seroma

noun

se·​ro·​ma

: a localized accumulation of clear fluid that sometimes occurs in a part of the body (as the abdomen or breast) where tissue has been incised, disturbed, or removed during surgery and that may cause swelling and discomfort

Perinephric seromas are postoperative fluid collections, which can be large.

—Hasan Bazari et al.