Lymphatic Complications Research Articles

Finding the best haematopoietic stem cell transplant regimen for GATA2 haploinsufficiency: how close are we?

Finding the best haematopoietic stem cell transplant regimen for GATA2 haploinsufficiency: how close are we?

Onchocerciasis Fingerprints in the Geriatric Population: Does Host Immunity Play a Role?

One of the most debilitating consequences of aging is the progressive decline in immune function, known as immunosenescence. This phenomenon is characterized by a shift in T-cell phenotypes, with a manifest decrease of naive T-cells—dealing with newly encountered antigens—and a concomitant accumulation of senescent and regulatory T-cells, leading to a greater risk of morbidity and mortality in older subjects. Additionally, with aging, several studies have unequivocally revealed an increase in the prevalence of onchocerciasis infection. Most lymphatic complications, skin and eye lesions due to onchocerciasis are more frequent among the elderly population. While the reasons for increased susceptibility to onchocerciasis with age are likely to be multi-factorial, age-associated immune dysfunction could play a key role in the onset and progression of the disease. On the other hand, there is a growing consensus that infection with onchocerciasis may evoke deleterious effects on the host’s immunity and exacerbate immune dysfunction. Indeed, Onchocerca volvulus has been reported to counteract the immune responses of the host through molecular mimicry by impairing T-cell activation and interfering with the processing of antigens. Moreover, reports indicate impaired cellular and humoral immune responses even to non-parasite antigens in onchocerciasis patients. This diminished protective response may intensify the immunosenescence outcomes, with a consequent vulnerability of those affected to additional diseases. Taken together, this review is aimed at contributing to a better understanding of the immunological and potential pathological mechanisms of onchocerciasis in the older population.

Predictors of Lymphatic Complications Following Renal Transplant: A Prospective Study Involving Predominantly Living Donor Transplants From India.

IntroductionLymphatic complications (LC) are common (up to 33%) and troublesome after renal transplantation. Different studies have established varying medical and surgical risk factors, mostly by retrospective analysis on deceased donor renal transplants (DDRTs). The end-point is mostly lymphocele, with few reports documenting the equally important lymphorrhea.MethodsIn our prospective analytical study done over three years, most were living donor renal transplant (LDRT) pairs by a single team. The primary outcome measure was lymphocele and/or prolonged drainage for more than 15 days, with a six-month follow-up. The variables recorded were age, gender, hemodialysis duration, etiology, relationship, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch, induction regimen, acute rejection, warm ischemia time (WIT), and delayed graft function (DGF). Univariate analysis was by chi-square and t-tests as applicable, while logistic regression (both simultaneous and forward stepwise) was used for risk factor prediction.ResultsEligible cases were 150, with 145 (97%) LDRT pairs. Donors were mostly female (122/150; 81%) with mean age (~43 years) higher than recipient age (~33 years). The common etiologies were diabetes (31%), hypertension (23%), and IgA nephropathy (11%). Most donors were mothers (37%) and wives (31%), and 28% of LDRT pairs had HLA mismatch >3. Mean duration of hemodialysis was about 18 months, and mean WIT was 52 minutes. Both DGF (B coefficient= -1.69, p<0.000) and WIT (B=-0.038, p=0.024) were significant predictors of the primary outcome, while drain removal before 15 days predicted lymphocele significantly (B=-2.4, p<0.000). ConclusionsLDRT has specific risk factors for lymphatic complications, which may be related to extent of recipient vascular dissection, arterial anastomotic time, and early drain removal.

Radiation Therapy of Lymphatic Fistulae After Vascular Surgery in the Groin

Lymphatic fistulas are common complications after vascular surgery, especially in the groin, and can lead to a prolongation of the inpatient stay, wound infections, and follow-up operations. Radiation therapy is one of the nonsurgical treatment options; however, evidence and discussion about the ideal dosage and timing are limited. The analysis was performed on patients from a German university hospital and included 191 patients with 206 lymphatic fistulas from 2005 to 2016. Four different endpoints were analyzed. The patients were irradiated with a fraction dose of 3 Gy up to a cumulative dose of 9 Gy (94 cases) or 18 Gy (112 cases). The median age of the patients was 70.5 years; 74% were male and 26% were female. Vascular surgery included bypass grafts (52%), thromboendarterectomy/patch angioplasty (26%), and vascular access for aortic endografts (22%). The response to radiation therapy for the 4 different endpoints was 88% (25% decrease in secretion volume), 80% (secretion <50 mL per 24 hours), 81% (removal of the drainage), and 75% (freedom from any intervention). The overall response for all 4 endpoints was 63% (129 of 206) after completion of radiation therapy and 34% (70 of 206) after 1 course with a total dose up to 9 Gy. The median lymphatic secretion was 150 mL per 24 hours before radiation therapy and 60 mL per 24 hours 1 day after the end of therapy. The drainage could be removed a median of 3 days after radiation therapy completion. There was no significant difference between patients starting the radiation within 5 to 9 days or ≥10 days postoperatively (P = .971; OR, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.74). No relevant factors influencing the response rate could be identified. Reoperation was required in 50 of the 206 cases (25%): 24 (12%) owing to persistent lymphatic fistula and complications and 26 (13%) owing to wound and/or vascular complications. Radiation therapy seems to be an effective nonsurgical treatment option for reducing lymphatic secretion after vascular surgery in the groin. Starting radiation early (≤9 days) or late (≥10 days) postoperatively did not affect the success rate.

Comparison of clips and electrosurgical instruments in sealing of lymphatic vessels during pelvic lymph node dissection at the time of radical cystectomy

Background. Bladder cancer is very common and real problem in oncourology. The main treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy (RC). RC with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) may be associated with an increased risk of developing lymphatic complications such as lymphedema, prolonged lymphorrhea, and the formation of lymphocele.Objective: to compare the efficiency of clips and surgical instruments for preventing the development of lymphatic complications during PLND at the time of RC.Materials and methods. From January 2016 to October 2020 at the N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University on the basis of N.I. Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1 were performed 60 RC with PLND. All patients were divided into two groups. The 1st group included patients who underwent the sealing of lymphatic vessels using titanium/polymer clips (n = 30). In the 2nd group the sealing was performed using ultrasonic/bipolar instruments (n = 30). All operations were performed by one surgeon. The study used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results. The overall percentage of lymphatic complications was 29 (48.3 %) out of 60 patients. Out of them 7 (11.7 %) patients developed symptomatic lymphocele, and 3 (5.0 %) developed asymptomatic lymphocele, prolonged lymphorrhea was observed in 17 (28.3 %) patients, lymphedema of the lower extremities or genitals in 2 (3.3 %). The percentage of lymphatic complications in the 1st group was 66.7 % (n = 20), and in the 2nd group - 30.0 % (n = 9) (p = 0.004). In multivariate analysis the statistical significance was (p = 0.014), a high odds ratio (6.83; 95 % confidence interval 1.48-31.49) was observed with sealing of lymphatic vessels with clips, while a low odds ratio (0.14; 95 % confidence interval 0.03-0.67) was found with electrosurgical instruments.Conclusion. The use of ultrasonic or bipolar electrosurgical instruments can be an effective method for preventing the development of lymphatic complications during PLND at the time of RC.

Functional lymphatic reserve capacity is depressed in patients with a Fontan circulation.

BackgroundLymphatic abnormalities play a role in effusions in individuals with a Fontan circulation. Recent results using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging disclosed an increased contraction frequency of lymphatic vessels in Fontan patients compared to healthy controls. It is proposed that the elevated lymphatic pumping seen in the Fontan patients is necessary to maintain habitual interstitial fluid balance. Hyperthermia has previously been used as a tool for lymphatic stress test. By increasing fluid filtration in the capillary bed, the lymphatic workload and contraction frequency are increased accordingly. Using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging, the lymphatic functional reserve capacity in Fontan patients were explored with a lymphatic stress test.MethodsFontan patients (n = 33) were compared to a group of 15 healthy individuals of equal age, weight, and gender. The function of the superficial lymphatic vessels in the lower leg during rest and after inducing hyperthermia was investigated, using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging.ResultsBaseline values in the Fontan patients showed a 57% higher contraction frequency compared to the healthy controls (0.4 ± 0.3 min−1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 min−1, p = 0.0445). After inducing stress on the lymphatic vessels with hyperthermia the ability to increase contraction frequency was decreased in the Fontan patients compared to the controls (0.6 ± 0.5 min−1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.8 min−1, p = 0.0102).ConclusionsFontan patients had a higher lymphatic contraction frequency during normal circumstances. In the Fontan patients, the hyperthermia response is dampened indicating that the functional lymphatic reserve capacity is depressed. This diminished reserve capacity could be part of the explanation as to why some Fontan patients develop late‐onset lymphatic complications.

Fibrin Sealants and Axillary Lymphatic Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 23 Clinical Randomized Trials.

Simple SummaryAxillary dissection is a highly mobile procedure with severe lymphatic consequences. The off-label application of fibrin sealants in the axilla, with the sole aim to eliminate dead space and to provoke sealing of the disrupted lymphatic vessels at the end of axillary dissection, is an experimental procedure to reduce lymphatic morbidity. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of fibrin sealants on lymphatic morbidity after axillary dissection. Our results show that this experimental procedure is able to decrease the total axillary drainage output, the number of days before the axillary drainage is removed, and the length of hospital stay. However, no effects on the occurrence rate of axillary lymphocele or on the surgical site complications rate were demonstratedBackground: use of fibrin sealants following pelvic, paraaortic, and inguinal lymphadenectomy may reduce lymphatic morbidity. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate if this finding applies to the axillary lymphadenectomy. Methods: randomized trials evaluating the efficacy of fibrin sealants in reducing axillary lymphatic complications were included. Lymphocele, drainage output, surgical-site complications, and hospital stay were considered as outcomes. Results: twenty-three randomized studies, including patients undergoing axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer, melanoma, and Hodgkin’s disease, were included. Fibrin sealants did not affect axillary lymphocele incidence nor the surgical site complications. Drainage output, days with drainage, and hospital stay were reduced when fibrin sealants were applied (p < 0.0001, p < 0.005, p = 0.008). Conclusion: fibrin sealants after axillary dissection reduce the total axillary drainage output, the duration of drainage, and the hospital stay. No effects on the incidence of postoperative lymphocele and surgical site complications rate are found.

Fibrin sealant injection through the drain with adjuvant compression as a treatment of groin lymphatic complications after vascular operation

Introduction: Groin lymphatic complications after femoral artery operations are rare, but if developed, they could be a source of severe complications that could be potentially fatal. The novel technique of combining compression and application of Tisseel sealant (Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria) to treat lymphatic fistulas in the groin region after common femoral artery exposure was evaluated. Material and methods: Twelve groins from eleven patients with groin lymphatic complications were enrolled into the study. Patients had femoral artery exposure during one of the following procedures: endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, thrombendarterectomy or extra-anatomic by-pass. Postoperatively, average lymphatic drainage through the drain was 140 ± 60 (range 48–300) mL per day. Intervention was performed at a median of 12 (9–23) days after operation. The drain was cut off close to the skin, a thin double-channel catheter was introduced as deep as possible through the drain and sealant was injected into the wound. Simultaneously, the remaining part of the drain was removed, the orifice in the skin was sutured and a compression dressing was kept in place for 24 hours. The median patient observation period was 13 months (range 2.5–23) and surveillance of the groin was performed using ultrasonography. Results: Early outcomes showed full technical success. None of the patients were readmitted due to lymphorrhea, infection or poor wound healing during follow-up. No lymphoceles were detected by ultrasonography. Conclusion: Fibrin glue injection augmented by compression is an effective method for treating postoperative lymphatic fistulas and to prevent lymphorrhagia and lymphocele formation in the groin region after femoral artery exposure.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in oncologic care: a review

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) have for centuries been recognized as reliable and effective filters of foreign material, including tumor cells. Since the mid-20th century, this principle has been applied to oncologic care through sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), which detects and quantifies the extent of regional metastasis. First pioneered in parotid tumors, the technique has since expanded to many branches of oncology including breast, melanoma, head and neck, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic tumors. Across these varied pathologies, SLNB has repeatedly demonstrated non-inferiority to traditionally more extensive lymphatic dissections, which are associated with higher rates of infectious, lymphatic, and neuropathic complications. In an era of ever increasing management options, this technique also provides prognostic and predictive information key to therapeutic selection. This paper reviews the history of the practice of SLNB and its evolution over the decades in a number of oncologic disciplines.

Longitudinal versus transverse incision for common femoral artery exposure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

A longitudinal or a transverse incision is routinely used for common femoral artery (CFA) exposure. Some believe a transverse incision is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of postoperative surgical site infection, lymphatic complications, wound dehiscence and haematoma formation when using a longitudinal or transverse incision for CFA exposure. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were adhered to. We searched various databases such as MEDLINE via PubMed and Embase for relevant studies from inception till 31 May 2020. Relevant search terms such as 'longitudinal', 'transverse', 'vertical', 'horizontal', 'femoral', 'incision' were used. We included both randomized controlled trials and case-controlled studies, and extracted data related to study characteristics and postoperative complications. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to obtain the pooled proportions and risk ratios (RR) for our study outcomes. We included seven studies with a total of 5922 groin incisions. A longitudinal incision was associated with a significantly higher incidence of wound infection (RR 2.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-7.70, P= 0.03) and wound dehiscence (RR 2.87, 95% CI 1.06-7.77, P= 0.04). The risk of lymphatic complications (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.39-3.05, P= 0.87) and wound haematoma (RR 2.85, 95% CI 0.88-9.21, P= 0.08) were similar. A longitudinal incision may be associated with a higher incidence of wound infection and wound dehiscence, as compared to using a transverse incision for CFA exposure.

Sentinel lymph node for endometrial cancer treatment: review of the literature.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy and in two thirds of patients it is apparently uterine confined at presentation. Lymph nodal status represents one of the main prognostic factors. Nodal evaluation with sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has gained more ground in clinical practice after the publication of different studies demonstrating the feasibility and accuracy of this technique. However, at the moment there are no RCTs available evaluating the long-term oncologic safety of SLN technique compared to LND. This review aims at summarizing the available evidence on oncologic outcomes between SLN mapping alone and LND. Differences in operative complications and long-term complications were also analyzed. The literature search was conducted in the PubMed database and it focused on comparative studies published from inception to September 2020 analyzing differences in oncological outcomes or complications between nodal evaluation with SLN technique alone and nodal evaluation with lymphadenectomy. Comparative studies with more than 10 cases, published in English, were included. A total of 5 retrospective comparative studies have been identified reporting data on oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent SLN mapping alone vs. LND. Non significative difference has been reported in terms of overall survival and recurrence free survival between the two groups. Six studies evaluated differences in terms of complications between the two techniques. A total of 2302 patients were identified. Postoperative complications were detected in 9.6% and 7.7% of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy and SLN mapping respectively and no significant difference was noted (P=0.3). Looking at major postoperative complications the rate in the LND group was significantly higher than in the SLN group (3.6% vs. 1.5%, P=0.02). Two of these six studies reported data on lymphatic long-term complications. The prevalence of lymphedema ranged from 0% to 1.3% in the SLN group and from 10% to 18% in the LND group. The absolute difference reported (13.35%) was similar to the one found in literature. SLN mapping in apparently uterine confined disease has been demonstrated to be a feasible and accurate technique for nodal evaluation and high-quality evidence support this. Moreover, SLN mapping resulted to be associated with less major postoperative and long-term complications when compared to LDN. Conversely, high-quality evidence is not available on long-term oncologic safety of this technique compared to the standard LND. Randomized trials are requested to provide reliable data on this aspect.

PREventive effect of FENestration with and without clipping on post-kidney transplantation lymphatic complications (PREFEN): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPeritoneal fenestration is an effective preventive method for reducing the rate of lymphatic complications in kidney transplantation (KTx). The size of the fenestration plays an important role in its effectiveness....

Combined pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with lymphatic tissue preservation and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for defect reconstruction and lymphedema–lymphocele prevention in thigh sarcoma surgery: Preliminary results

Sarcoma surgery often requires large tissue resection to be treated safely. When the tumor is localized in the groin and/or medial thigh, lymphocele and lymphedema are common complications because of the rich lymphatic network present there. The aim of this study is to share the outcome of seven patients who received defect reconstruction in this area with combined pedicled superficial circumflex artery perforator (SCIP) flap with lymphatic tissue preservation and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for prevention of lymphatic complications. Seven patients who underwent surgical resection of sarcoma in the groin and/or adductors compartment received defect reconstruction with pedicled SCIP flap combined with LVA. For a better dead space obliteration, four of them also received an additional tissue flap: two pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and two free anterolateral thigh flaps. Indocyanine green lymphography was performed in all cases to identify the lymphatic pathway, make the preoperative marking and check the patency of the anastomoses. All seven patients were successfully treated reaching a good aesthetic result and a full range of motion. No immediate nor delayed complications such as lymphocele or lymphorrhea and early extremity lymphedema were observed during the follow up (range: 6-9 months; mean: 7.3) and no secondary procedures were required. The combination of the pedicle SCIP lymphatic tissue transfer with LVA seems to be effective in preventing the development of lymphatic sequelae after large resections in the medial thigh.

Anatomical characterization of the inguinal lymph nodes using microcomputed tomography to inform radical inguinal lymph node dissections in penile cancer.

Radical inguinal lymph node dissections (rILND) for penile cancer risk significant postoperative lymphocele and lymphedema. However, reducing the risk of lymphatic complications is limited by our understanding of lymphatic anatomy. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the lymphatic anatomy within the current surgical borders of a rILND. To visualize the position of the lymph nodes, tissue packets excised from the inguinal region of five fresh, male cadavers were imaged using microcomputed tomography (µCT). To standardize the position, rotation and size between specimens, each lymph node packet was aligned using a Generalized Procrustes analysis. There was a median of 13.5 lymph nodes (range = 8-18) per packet, with the majority (99%) clustered within a 6 cm radius of the saphenofemoral junction; a region 39%-41% smaller than current surgical borders. No difference existed between the number of nodes between sides, or distribution around the saphenofemoral junction. This study provides the first 3D, in situ, standardized characterization of lymph node anatomy in the inguinal region using µCT. By using knowledge of the normal lymphatic anatomy, this study can help inform the reduction in borders of rILND to limit disruption and ensure a complete lymphadenectomy.

Variants of SOS2 are a rare cause of Noonan syndrome with particular predisposition for lymphatic complications.

RASopathies are caused by variants in genes encoding components or modulators of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. Noonan syndrome is the most common entity among this group of disorders and is characterized by heart defects, short stature, variable developmental delay, and typical facial features. Heterozygous variants in SOS2, encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for RAS, have recently been identified in patients with Noonan syndrome. The number of published cases with SOS2-related Noonan syndrome is still limited and little is known about genotype-phenotype correlations. We collected previously unpublished clinical and genotype data from 17 individuals carrying a disease-causing SOS2 variant. Most individuals had one of the previously reported dominant pathogenic variants; only four had novel changes at the established hotspots for variants that affect protein function. The overall phenotype of the 17 patients fits well into the spectrum of Noonan syndrome and is most similar to the phenotype observed in patients with SOS1-related Noonan syndrome, with ectodermal anomalies as common features and short stature and learning disabilities as relatively infrequent findings compared to the average Noonan syndrome phenotype. The spectrum of heart defects in SOS2-related Noonan syndrome was consistent with the known spectrum of cardiac anomalies in RASopathies, but no specific heart defect was particularly predominating. Notably, lymphatic anomalies were extraordinarily frequent, affecting more than half of the patients. We therefore conclude that SOS2-related Noonan syndrome is associated with a particularly high risk of lymphatic complications that may have a significant impact on morbidity and quality of life.

Risk factors and methods for prevention of lymphogenic complications in oncourological operations in pelvic area (systematic review)

Radical prostatectomy and cystectomy with pelvic lymphatic dissection are the most common operations in oncourology. Development of lymphatic complications, such as lymphocele, lymphorrhea and lymphedema, often complicates their implementation. However, not all lymphatic complications manifest themselves clinically and require surgical treatment. There are many risk factors and methods for preventing lymphogenic complications during oncourological operations in the pelvic area. In this article, we will review potential provocative factors that should be considered when performing oncourological interventions in the pelvis, as well as methods for their prevention, which can minimize the lymphogenic complications.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a clinical review.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a diffuse cystic lung disease. There are two main types of LAM: sporadic, and LAM associated with the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), which is caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes. LAM is characterised by cystic lung disease resulting in progressive dyspnoea, renal angiomyolipomas and lymphatic complications. Pneumothorax occurs frequently (70%) and definitive management with pleurodesis is recommended as the risk of recurrence is high. Characteristic thin-walled cysts are seen on computed tomography and the presence of elevated serum levels of a vascular endothelial growth factor-D has good diagnostic specificity. Currently, no single clinical or serological factor has been shown to predict prognosis. However, over the past decade, significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of LAM has led to improved recognition of this rare disease and identification of treatment options. Mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors slow the rate of lung function decline and can resolve chylous effusion and regress angiomyolipomas. Life expectancy in patients with LAM is favourable, with a mean transplant-free survival >20 years from the time of diagnosis. Continued advances in understanding the molecular basis of LAM will lead to improved therapeutic targets and the development of more robust prognostic indicators.Educational aimsTo illustrate the clinical features, common presentations and radiological features of LAMTo outline the diagnostic approach to LAM, including the role of VEGF-DTo review the current prognostic indicators in LAM, and outline the impact of lung function, hormonal status, VEGF-D and clinical presentation on outcomeTo inform clinicians on the management options for LAM both pharmacological and nonpharmacological

Risk factors for lymphatic complications following lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer

ObjectiveLymph node (LN) metastasis is among the important prognostic factors for survival in endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of lymphatic complications following lymphadenectomy in patients with EC. Materials and methodsEC patients were retrospectively evaluated. Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) and pelvic lymphocele (PL) were evaluated according to the International Society of Lymphology guidelines and the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, respectively. ResultsA total of 289 patients were enrolled. Surgery was performed via laparotomy and laparoscopy in 200 (69.2%) and 89 (30.8%) patients, respectively. LEL and PL occurred in 43 (14.9%) and 33 (11.4%) patients, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, circumflex iliac node (CIN) removal (odds ratio [OR]: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.43–7.98; P = 0.004) was an independent risk factor for LEL, while the surgical approach (OR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.13–29.9; P = 0.004) was an independent risk factor for PL. ConclusionCIN dissection was a significant risk factor for LEL, while laparotomy was an independent risk factor for PL compared to laparoscopy in EC patients. This suggests that laparoscopic surgery combined with sentinel lymph node navigation surgery will prevent lymphatic complications in low-risk EC patients.

Consensus on definition and severity grading of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation.

The incidence of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation varies considerably in the literature. This is partly because a universally accepted definition has not been established. This study aimed to propose an acceptable definition and severity grading system for lymphatic complications based on their management strategy. Relevant literature published in MEDLINE and Web of Science was searched systematically. A consensus for definition and a severity grading was then sought between 20 high-volume transplant centres. Lymphorrhoea/lymphocele was defined in 32 of 87 included studies. Sixty-three articles explained how lymphatic complications were managed, but none graded their severity. The proposed definition of lymphorrhoea was leakage of more than 50 ml fluid (not urine, blood or pus) per day from the drain, or the drain site after removal of the drain, for more than 1 week after kidney transplantation. The proposed definition of lymphocele was a fluid collection of any size near to the transplanted kidney, after urinoma, haematoma and abscess have been excluded. Grade A lymphatic complications have a minor and/or non-invasive impact on the clinical management of the patient; grade B complications require non-surgical intervention; and grade C complications require invasive surgical intervention. A clear definition and severity grading for lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation was agreed. The proposed definitions should allow better comparisons between studies.

Lymphatic Leaks of the Thigh and Inguinal Region: Combined Plastic Surgery Approaches for an Effective Treatment Algorithm.

Surgical procedures interfering with the draining nodes in the inguinal region carry the intrinsic risk of lymphatic complications. Lesions of the inguinal lymphatic network can lead to lymphocele or lymphocutaneous fistulas and can eventually be associated to limb lymphedema with consequent high morbidity. This article describes a new surgical algorithm based on wound properties to properly address lymphatic complications of the inguinal area. Based on our experience, surgical solutions ranged from selective lymphatic vessel ligation to microsurgical lymphatic fistula treatment and free tissue transfer. Fourteen consecutive patients underwent surgery in our department following failed attempts to address persistent lymphatic leaks. Patient characteristics such as smoking, previous surgeries, comorbidities, and wound properties were considered. Identification of the leak was performed using blue patent dye and indocyanine green fluorescence. Surgical reconstruction occurred, according to our algorithm. Lymphatic leaks were visualized in 11 of 14 patients. Direct closure of the wound after leak ligation could be performed in 4 of 14 patients. Multilymphatic into vein anastomosis was performed in 3 of 14 patients, and the remaining patients benefited from flap surgery based on the wound defects. All 14 patients had successful outcomes (100%) with early drain removal (average, 6 [SD, 6] days) and definitive wound healing 2 weeks postoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 12 (SD, 2.9) months, no clinical infection, lymphatic complication, or wound breakdown occurred. One patient had a partial recurrence that did not require surgical intervention. A stepwise approach, combining lymphatic surgery principles and plastic surgery flap techniques, can lead to an effective treatment algorithm where surgical options are wound tailored to guarantee the best functional outcomes.