How long does it take a rectus sheath hematoma to heal?
The majority of patients recover well with no complications as the hematoma is reabsorbed in 2 to 3 months.
How long does it take for an abdominal hematoma to reabsorb?
Gradually the blood in the hematoma is absorbed back into the body. The swelling and pain of the hematoma will go away. This takes from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the hematoma. The skin over the hematoma may turn bluish then brown and yellow as the blood is dissolved and absorbed.
What is a rectus sheath hernia?
Rectus sheath hernias (alternative plural: herniae) are a very seldom seen form of herniation through the anterior abdominal wall. Herniation of intra-abdominal contents (mesenteric fat +/- bowel), is usually through the posterior rectus sheath only and thus these are often termed posterior rectus sheath hernias.
What is found in the rectus sheath?
The rectus sheath is the durable, resilient, fibrous compartment that contains both the rectus abdominis muscle and the pyramidalis muscle. The fascial coverings of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles comprise the rectus sheath.
What happens if you don’t drain a hematoma?
A hematoma is similar to a bruise or blood clot but, if left untreated, it can damage the tissue and lead to infection. An injury to the nose can rupture blood vessels in and around the septum where there is both bone and cartilage. As the blood clots to stop the bleeding, it forms a hematoma.
How long does large hematoma last?
Mild hematomas and contusions typically heal within about five days. A large hematoma may last weeks to months and as it heals it will change color and slowly shrink in size. Hematoma pain and swelling may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.
How do they drain a large hematoma?
The skin is punctured using a sharp needle, a lancet, or a scalpel. The depth of the incision is dependent on the presence of blood vessels and nerves in the surgical site. A pair of sinus forceps is then inserted into the incision and the opening is gradually widened. The accumulated fluid is then drained.
Is there such a thing as a rectus sheath hematoma?
Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon entity associated with predisposing factors such as anticoagulation. It may mimic more frequent abdominal conditions and its accurate diagnosis is important to focus on the correct treatments and improve morbidity and mortality.
Where does RSH occur in the rectus sheath?
RSH is frequently localized below the umbilicus where the inferior epigastric artery (branch of the external iliac artery) penetrates the rectus muscles at the arcuate line and this vessel is relatively fixed, so branches are more prone to being injured [ 6 ].
What causes a hematoma in the rectus abdominis muscle?
Rectus sheath hematoma occurs as a result of injury to an epigastric artery or its perforating branches within the rectus muscle. Recall that the blood supply to the rectus abdominis muscles originates from the superior and inferior epigastric arteries.
Where does the epigastric artery enter the rectus sheath?
The superior epigastric artery enters the sheath from behind the seventh costal cartilage and descends between the rectus abdominis muscle and the posterior rectus sheath. The superior and inferior epigastric arteries form rich anastomoses near the level of the umbilicus.