Managing seroma (fluid buildup) after posterior lumbar decompression

Management of Seroma After Posterior Lumbar Spine Decompression

This project will see how seromas (fluid buildups) form and are treated after posterior lumbar spine decompression in adults having elective surgery.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Kafrelsheikh University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafrelsheikh)
• Trial ID: NCT07060781 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will collect clinical details on adults undergoing elective posterior lumbar spine decompression to characterize the presentation, timing, and management of postoperative seroma formation. Patients aged 18 and older without prior lumbar surgery, active infection, malignancy, or severe comorbidities will be enrolled at a single center in Kafrelsheikh and followed through the postoperative period. Data will include wound findings, imaging when performed, interventions such as aspiration or drainage, antibiotic use, and any need for reoperation, with outcomes recorded during routine follow-up. The goal is to identify common patterns and effective management strategies rather than to assign specific treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) scheduled for elective posterior lumbar decompression who are fit for general anesthesia and have no prior lumbar surgery, active spinal infection, malignancy, or severe comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with prior lumbar surgery, active spinal infection, malignancy, severe uncontrolled comorbidities, or those undergoing emergency or non-posterior decompression procedures are unlikely to benefit from the study findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help surgeons reduce complications and speed recovery by clarifying typical seroma presentations and which management approaches work best.

How similar studies have performed: Case series and surgical reports have described postoperative seromas and common treatments like drains and aspiration, but comparative, high-quality data on optimal management remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years.
* Both sexes.
* Patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar spine decompression.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of previous lumbar spine surgery.
* Active spinal infection, trauma, or malignancy.
* Severe medical comorbidities that contraindicate surgery or influence wound healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppression, severe cardiovascular disease).
* Patients unfit for general anesthesia.

Where this trial is running

Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafrelsheikh

• Kafrelsheikh University — Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ayman M Basha, MD

Conditions Seroma; Lumbar Spine Decompression