Treatment of lymphatic leakage after retroperitoneal tumor resection by lymphangiography and embolization: A case report.

Abstract

Lymphatic leakage is an infrequent but relatively serious complication after resection of retroperitoneal tumors. Although different approaches have been attempted in treatment of lymphatic leakage, none of them has been consistently effective. This study report on a female patient, aged 55-years with massive retroperitoneal tumor, with lymphangiography and embolization for resolution of lymphatic leakage after retroperitoneal tumor resection. Computed tomography revealed retroperitoneal cystadenoma. After the right ureteral stent was placed, the retroperitoneal tumor resection was performed, and after operation, the patient presented with lymphatic leakage unresponsive to several treatment measures. From the thirty-seventh postoperative day (POD37), the patient underwent lymphangiography and embolization, which resolved her lymphatic leakage. Lymphangiography is useful for detecting lymphatic leakage occurring after retroperitoneal tumor resection. Furthermore, lymphatic embolization is feasible, effective, and safe for managing leaks demonstrated on lymphangiography.