Wound hematoma evacuation: Overview
Wound hematoma evacuation: Overview
A wound hematoma happens when blood collects and pools under the skin. It can look like a really bad bruise. It may be caused by an injury or as a result of a medical procedure or surgery. All that blood can cause pressure to build up in the area. Sometimes it can damage the skin around it. To prevent this, your doctor may evacuate, or drain, the pooled blood.
The doctor cleans the skin. Then a needle may be used to drain the blood. Or the doctor may open up the wound with a cut in the skin to remove the clotted blood and stop any bleeding.
If there's a cut, it may be closed and wrapped in a tight bandage. But sometimes the doctor may leave the wound open to let it heal on its own. Your doctor will tell you how to care for it. You may get antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
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