A retroperitoneal hematoma is caused by physical damage, botched surgical procedures, anticoagulant medications, weakened organs, and medical devices. Malignant tumors can also increase the likelihood of internal injury and hematoma development.
A retroperitoneal hematoma occurs when blood pools in the retroperitoneal space located in the lower back. The most common cause of this condition is physical damage, as a powerful blow to the lower back or surrounding area in the torso can cause internal bleeding, increasing the likelihood of a hematoma. Patients can also develop a retroperitoneal hematoma following a botched surgical procedure or an accident involving a medical apparatus installed near the area. Anticoagulant medications have been identified as a possible risk factor for the condition, allowing blood from an internal lesion to flow more easily into the retroperitoneal space. In rare cases, this type of hematoma could be caused by a ruptured malignant tumor.
Individuals usually develop a retroperitoneal hematoma after sustaining physical trauma near the lower back. A strong enough impact can rupture blood vessels and other soft tissue located in the area, causing significant internal bleeding. A bag of blood may then form in the retroperitoneal space; if left untreated, it can impair circulation to other areas of the body, leading to more serious medical problems.
The likelihood of developing the condition increases when certain internal organs are subjected to damage. Other medical conditions that affect the kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands can weaken the tissues in the organs, making them more prone to rupture. In such cases, a retroperitoneal hematoma could occur along with other complications.
Surgeons could be indirectly responsible for the condition in a number of patients. As with any form of surgery, procedures performed in areas close to the retroperitoneal space have the risk of damaging nearby tissue. Tissue damage could be caused by necessity, as some complications may require surgeons to make additional incisions, or as an accident. The latter is considered an extremely rare occurrence, however, as most surgeons are careful enough to avoid such mistakes.
There are cases where medical devices installed in the body can contribute to the development of a retroperitoneal hematoma. The most common cases involve accidents with catheters inserted into blood vessels and organs located near the retroperitoneal space. An aortic catheter, for example, can move slightly if the patient’s body is agitated enough, causing the vessel to rupture.
Malignant growths, such as cancerous tumors, are another possible cause of retroperitoneal hematomas. These growths tend to increase the likelihood of internal injury, which subsequently increases an individual’s chance of developing a hematoma. Cases where the condition is caused by damage to abnormal growths usually involve cysts and tumors located in the duodenum.
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