How long does a rectus sheath hematoma take to heal?
The majority of patients recover well with no complications as the hematoma is reabsorbed in 2 to 3 months.
How do you get rectus sheath hematoma?
The hematoma may be caused by either rupture of the epigastric artery or by a muscular tear. Causes of this include anticoagulation, coughing, pregnancy, abdominal surgery and trauma.
How do you treat rectus sheath hematoma?
Conservative treatment of rectus sheath hematoma includes rest; analgesics; hematoma compression; ice packs; treatment of predisposing conditions; and if necessary, more aggressive therapies of intravenous fluid resuscitation, reversal of anticoagulation, and transfusion.
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.
Is rectus sheath hematoma painful?
4. Conclusion. Although uncommon, rectus sheath hematoma is a significant cause of abdominal pain that can imitate surgical acute abdomen. Physicians should consider this diagnosis in patients with the above described predisposing factors.
How common is rectus sheath hematoma?
Rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of abdominal pain. In 1999, Klingler et al found an incidence of 1.8% among 1257 patients admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain and undergoing ultrasonography for diagnosis. Anticoagulation is a well-known risk factor.
What are the layers of rectus sheath?
The rectus sheath is composed of the aponeuroses of transversus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique muscles, which form anterior and posterior layers of the sheath that fuse laterally at the linea semilunaris and in the midline at the linea alba.
When does a hematoma need to be drained?
Sometimes, a hematoma may require surgical drainage. Surgery may be more likely if the blood is putting pressure on the spinal cord, brain, or other organs. In other cases, doctors may want to drain a hematoma that is at risk of infection.
