$Unique_ID{BRK00385}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Hematoma Healing Process}
$Subject{hematoma Accidents accident blood cyst cysts aspiration coagulated
consolidated clot clots hematomas}
$Volume{D-7, O-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Hematoma Healing Process


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QUESTION:  My husband was in an automobile accident and has a hematoma on his
leg.  He is in his 8th week of treatment, and it did go down from the size of
a cantaloupe to that of a lemon.  The surgeon aspirated it one time, and is
considering surgery, but is hoping that time alone will clear it up.  My
husband is 67 and getting impatient to "get on with life".  Tell us what is in
store.

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ANSWER:  I have no crystal ball to help in predicting your husband's future,
so I will rely on some basic principles and a little knowledge.  By now you
know that a hematoma is a collection of blood, a blood cyst if you will, that
was caused by bleeding into the tissue of the leg after the trauma of the
accident.  A cantaloupe sized hematoma demands careful attention, which
evidently has been going on and the fact that it is now down to the size of a
lemon is great progress.  The aspiration procedure by the surgeon removed some
of the blood while it was still in liquid form, but by now the healing process
of the body is at work, working to return the leg to normal, by removing the
coagulated and consolidated clot bit by bit.  The process is a complicated
one, and is helped by heat applications to the area and rest.  I know that 8
weeks is a long period of time to "rest" but it requires a bit of patience and
time to repair all the damage that occurred during the accident; yet it is the
surest and perhaps the safest action that you can choose at this time.  It is
apparent to me that your surgeon is being both cautious and practical, and
his willingness to allow time to take its course indicates to me that the
healing process is on track.  If the operation to remove the mass that remains
did take place, there would be another period of convalescence needed after
the surgery, that might be even more difficult for an impatient man to endure.
At this point in time, perhaps your doctor can indicate some light activity
which your husband may safely pursue to help him get on with living.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.