A large encapsulated seroma presenting as a mass 5 years post paraumbilical hernia repair

Summary Abdominoplasty is a procedure commonly performed by the modern reconstructive plastic surgeon, but despite its apparent routine nature complications are well documented in the literature and should be respected by even the most experienced plastic surgeon. Seroma is one of the most common complications known, however, most seromas usually occur within a few months following the primary procedure, are easily identifiable clinically as seroma and respond to simple aspiration, or resolve without any further intervention. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with an unusual large abdominal mass 5 years following paraumbilical hernia repair and which was initially presumed to be an ovarian tumour. Following further investigation of this extensive mass, an abdominoplasty approach was used resulting in the removal of a large encapsulated seroma weighing over 5kg and measuring 50cm in length.