Treatment Of Lymphoceles Research Articles

Radiotherapy of lymphatic fistula and lymphocele

The treatment of persistent postoperative lymphatic fistulas or lymphoceles is often a problem. Approximately 2% of patients will develop lymphatic fistula after vascular surgery. This can require a long lasting conservative therapy. If spontaneous cure fails, a second operation with wound revision becomes necessary. We studied low-dose percutaneous radiotherapy to be used as an alternative treatment in addition to conservative or surgical therapy. Between 1989 and 1998 29 patients (25 with lymphatic fistulas, 4 with lymphoceles) received radiation therapy. Depending on the depth of the fistula 27 patients were treated with electrons (7 to 18 MeV). Two other patients suffering of retroperitoneal lymphoceles received a treatment with photons (15 MV). In all patients the fractionation was 4- to 5 x 1.0 Gy/week and the dose ranged from 3 to 12 Gy depending upon the onset of the radiation therapy effect. In 27 of 28 evaluable patients a complete disappearance of the fistula or lymphocele was achieved by radiation during therapy or shortly afterwards. In 1 case no benefit was observed after a dose of 11 Gy. This patient required further surgery with wound exploration. Low dose percutaneous radiotherapy (up to 10 to 12 Gy) is effective to heal lymphatic fistulas and lymphoceles without complications. Individual dosage is required because doses even lower than 10 Gy may be effective. Radiation can be effective even after a failed conservative therapy or instead of surgery.

Laparoscopic treatment of lymphocele after kidney transplantation.

Laparoscopic treatment of pelvic lymphocele secondary to kidney transplant has gained popularity in the last few years, although lesions of the urinary tract (ureter, renal pelvis, and bladder) have been reported frequently. To evaluate the result of this treatment and the associated risk of urinary tract lesions, we reviewed our experience and reports in the medical literature on open and laparoscopic surgery. From 1991 to 1999, we laparoscopically treated 12 patients (7 men and 5 women; median age, 43 years; range, 17-59 years) with symptomatic pelvic lymphocele causing a deterioration of renal function because of compression on the ureter in 10 of the 12 patients and lymphocele compression of the iliac vein in the other 2 patients. In nine patients, the lymphocele wall was opened and sutured to the peritoneum to keep the window open. In two patients, an omentoplasty was performed, and in the remaining patient, both techniques were used. All patients were followed up clinically with ultrasound and biochemistry for a median period of 33 months (range, 1-96 months). Using Medline, we reviewed the medical literature from 1980 to 1998 and collected 252 cases in which operations had been performed to drain an internal lymphocele secondary to kidney transplantation. Laparoscopic treatment was successful in 11 of the 12 patients. One patient was converted to open surgery because of a lesion in the transplanted ureter. One patient needed repeat laparoscopy 24 hours after the operation because of bleeding from the peritoneal window. The median duration of the operation was 120 min (range, 70-200 min), and the median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-12 days). None of the patients needed to discontinue oral cyclosporine assumption. The serum creatinine level dropped significantly after surgery (p < 0. 05). No symptomatic recurrences were observed. Of the 252 patients found in the medical literature, in 129 the procedure was performed with open surgery and in 123 laparoscopically (our 12 patients included). The prevalence of iatrogenic lesions to the urinary tract increased threefold with the use of laparoscopic surgery (from 1.6% in open surgery to 7% in laparoscopy). The recurrence rate of symptomatic lymphocele, however, decreased from 15% to 4%. Laparoscopic drainage of posttransplantation lymphocele is a relatively simple method for treating this complication, although it bears the burden of an increased incidence of urinary tract lesions, as confirmed by a review of the literature. The major advantage of the laparoscopic approach is the absence of postoperative ileus with the opportunity to continue the enteral immunosuppressive regimen and a lower recurrence rate. These data suggest that laparoscopic lymphocele treatment might be considered the therapy of choice, provided the iatrogenic lesions of the urinary tract diminish as more experience with this technique is gained.

Postoperative pelvic lymphocele: treatment with simple percutaneous catheter drainage.

To evaluate the effectiveness of simple percutaneous catheter drainage in the treatment of postoperative lymphocele. Percutaneous catheter drainage of 23 symptomatic lymphoceles was performed with ultrasonographic (US) guidance in 20 patients who had undergone radical pelvic lymphadenectomy because of uterine malignancy. All lymphoceles were diagnosed on the basis of biochemical and cytologic findings in aspirated fluid. The drainage catheter was removed when the amount of daily drainage was less than 10 mL per day and when the lymphocele was seen at imaging to have resolved. Follow-up US was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after catheter removal. The results were classified as success, partial success, or failure. Lymphoceles ranged in size from 5 x 4 x 3 to 25 x 10 x 10 cm. Mean total drainage volume was 2,012 mL (range, 300-17,240 mL). Fluid from 10 lymphoceles (43%) was positive at Gram staining and bacteriologic culture; fluid from 13 (57%) was sterile. Duration of catheter drainage was 3-49 days (mean, 22 days). Twenty (87%) lymphoceles resolved completely; three (13%) recurred. Two recurrent lymphoceles were again treated with percutaneous catheter drainage; the third resolved spontaneously 5 months after catheter removal. Successful treatment was ultimately achieved in all patients. Postprocedural complications occurred in four patients. One had a secondary infection of lymphocele; one, catheter dislodgment; and two, skin infection at the site of catheter insertion. Percutaneous catheter drainage is safe and effective for treatment of symptomatic postoperative lymphoceles.

Thromboembolic Complication Rate after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Objectives. The impact of routine ultrasonography for diagnosis and rapid treatment of pelvic lymphoceles and hematomas on the rate of thromboembolic complications was studied. Methods: From June 1987 to December 1995, 508 patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with low-dose heparin prophylaxis at our medical institution. Beginning with patient 321, routine pelvic ultrasonography was started on each patient on postoperative day 1 for diagnosis of lymphoceles and hematomas. The rate of thromboembolic complications in patients 321–508 was compared with that in patients 1–320 (without routine ultrasonography). Results: In patients 1–320, a total of 20 (6.2%) symptomatic thromboembolic complications occurred: five (1.6%) pulmonary emboli and 15 (4.7%) cases of deep venous thrombosis. In patients 321–508, the total rate of thromboembolic complications was significantly reduced (p = 0.049): only 4 patients (2.1%) had thromboembolic events (1 pulmonary embolism and 3 cases of deep venous thrombosis): all but 1 of the complications were associated with small hematomas, which were first negative on routine pelvic ultrasonography but positive on CT scan only done when clinical suspicion of symptoms occurred or during open surgery and showed compression of the iliac vein. Conclusions: Pelvic lymphoceles and hematomas seem to be important cofactors in the pathophysiology of thromboembolic complications after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Most lymphoceles and hematomas can be diagnosed with pelvic ultrasonography although small hematomas can be overseen with pelvic ultrasonography. Surgeons should become more aware of these postoperative complications particularly in patients on heparin prophylaxis.

Bleomycin Sclerosis of Pelvic Lymphoceles

To describe the results of postoperative pelvic lymphocele treatment by means of percutaneous drainage and sclerosis with bleomycin. Four patients underwent treatment of pelvic lymphoceles by percutaneous tube drainage followed by instillation of bleomycin under fluoroscopic guidance at a concentration of 1 unit/mL. Bleomycin instillation was repeated at weekly intervals until the tube output was less than 10 mL per day. Three of four patients underwent unsuccessful sclerosis previously with alcohol, doxycycline, or povidone iodine. Lymphocele drainage was reduced to less than 10 mL per 24 hours after bleomycin sclerosis in all patients. Three patients required two sessions, and the fourth patient required three sessions. No patient developed recurrent symptoms suggesting reaccumulation of lymph during an average follow-up period of 11 months (range, 6-18 months). No complications related to percutaneous lymphocele drainage or sclerosant therapy were encountered. Percutaneous intracavitary instillation of bleomycin may be considered as an alternative to surgery in patients who have undergone unsuccessful lymphocele sclerosis with other agents.

Percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy of postoperative lymphoceles.

The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with ethanol sclerotherapy of postoperative lymphoceles. We conducted a retrospective review of 32 patients who in a 6-year period underwent percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy for the management of postoperative lymphoceles. Twenty-three patients had undergone staging lymphadenectomy for malignant tumors, eight patients had undergone renal transplantation, and one patient had undergone vascular surgery. Of the 32 patients in the study group, eight (25%) had undergone previous aspiration or drainage, and three patients (9%) had undergone surgical lymphocelectomy. Patients were treated by percutaneous drainage under fluoroscopic, sonographic, or CT guidance. Sclerotherapy was done with absolute ethanol. Follow-up was conducted by review of clinical charts and imaging studies and by contacting the patient when necessary. Technical success was achieved in 30 patients (94%), with resolution of lymphocele shown by clinical and imaging findings. Treatment was unsuccessful in two patients (6%), and two patients (6%) had recurrences. Three patients (9%) subsequently underwent surgical treatment of the lymphoceles. Of these three patients, one had a lymphocele recur after surgery, which was then successfully treated with sclerotherapy. The average duration of catheter placement was 19 days. Complications, all minor, included catheter-related infections treated with antibiotics in three patients (9%) and catheter dislodgment that required repeated drainage procedures in two patients (6%). Clinical follow-up averaged 25 months. Percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for postoperative lymphoceles. The technical success rate is high, the recurrence rate is low, and the complication rate is acceptable. Percutaneous sclerotherapy of lymphoceles is a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment.

The laparoscopic management of post-transplant lymphocele. A critical review.

The managements of lymphocele in patients following kidney (KT) and pancreas (KPT) transplantation is evolving. Open surgery has been the traditional treatment, but some authors have advocated laparoscopic drainage in selected patients. We retrospectively reviewed our results in lymphocele treatment since developing a laparoscopic program at our institution. Between May 1994 and June 1995, 186 KTs and 48 KPTs were performed, and 1,354 patients are currently being followed. Eight patients developed symptomatic lymphoceles an average of 26 months (range 4-59) following 6 KTs and 2 KPTs. All patients diagnosed were successfully drained laparoscopically, with no conversions to open surgery. Laparoscopic ultrasound was used to help with localization of the fluid collection. Operative time averaged 59 min, median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-4), and there were no perioperative complications. Follow-up imaging was obtained on six patients, 3-16 months following their procedures, and no recurrences were noted. A review of the literature demonstrates a 5.3% rate of major complications and a 7% incidence of lymphocele recurrence. Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound can help to localize fluid collections and prevent organ injuries. Laparoscopic drainage of lymphocele following transplantation results in minimal disability and an acceptable complication rate, although it is higher than with open drainage. Therefore, laparoscopic drainage should be considered as primary treatment for all patients with symptomatic post-transplant lymphocele.

Treatment of Postoperative Lymphoceles with Percutaneous Drainage and Alcohol Sclerotherapy

To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous catheter drainage combined with alcohol sclerosis in the treatment of postoperative lymphoceles. Thirteen patients with 14 postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles were treated. Drainage catheters were inserted under ultrasound (n = 13) or computed tomographic (n = 1) guidance. Lymphocele sclerosis was performed by instilling 10-100 mL of absolute alcohol into the lymphocele cavity and aspirating the alcohol after 30 minutes. Sclerosis sessions were carried out one to three times per day, usually three times per week. Catheter sinograms were obtained and prophylactic antibiotics administered. Imaging was repeated if symptoms or signs of recurrence developed. Successful drainage and sclerosis were achieved in all 13 patients. One patient with a recurrence was successfully treated with repeated drainage and alcohol ablation. No adverse effects of alcohol instillation were seen. The mean duration of catheterization was 36 days (range, 17-65 days; median, 30 days). Percutaneous drainage combined with alcohol ablation is a safe and effective treatment of postoperative lymphoceles.

Treatment of Posttransplant Lymphocele with Povidone-lodine Sclerosis: Long-Term Follow-Up

Percutaneous transcatheter sclerosis with iodate-povidone has been proposed as a treatment of posttransplant lymphocele. We treated 19 lymphoceles with iodate-povidone, 10 of them totally resolved and 6 promptly recurred. Three recurrences were treated conservatively and in 3 the treatment was repeated with success. Therefore, we have a low recurrence and retreatment rate. Our total resolution rate was 100%. Complications due to the treatment were rare. In the long term no patient has developed any renal or perirenal complication related to iodine sclerosis. We conclude that iodine sclerosis is a safe and effective treatment of posttransplant lymphocele. We think that surgical procedures must be reserved to collections adjacent to renal hilum or inaccessible for safe puncturing.

Percutaneous Treatment of Lymphocele in Renal Transplant Recipients

Of 700 consecutive live-donor kidney transplants, 37 patients (5%) developed a symptomatic lymphocele. Two of ten patients were treated successfully by a single percutaneous needle aspiration. Percutaneous catheters were inserted in 30 patients, either primarily of after failure of other treatments. Of these 30 patients, tetracycline sclerotherapy was used in 21. The overall success rate of percutaneous catheter drainage was 93% (28/30). Surgical marsupialization was successful in 7 of 8 patients (88%). We conclude that percutaneous needle aspiration is ineffective in the treatment of symptomatic lymphocele, while percutaneous catheter drainage with tetracycline sclerotherapy is safe and effective. Should catheter drainage fail, surgical marsupialization will usually be effective.

The optimal treatment of lymphoceles following renal transplantation.

Lymphoceles are well-recognized complications following kidney transplantation. The authors describe their experience with the treatment of eight clinically significant lymphoceles (incidence 2.7%). In seven patients percutaneous needle aspiration was attempted, often repeatedly, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In all of the patients the lymphocele recurred within days and internal marsupialization was therefore performed, in the last two patients utilizing minimal access surgery through laparoscopy. There were no postoperative complications or signs of a recurrence of the lymphocele. Patients following the laparoscopic marsupialization had a much briefer hospital stay and postoperative convalescence. Our results confirm that internal marsupialization is the procedure of choice for most post-transplant lymphoceles. Internal marsupialization through laparoscopy should be used in patients who meet the standard criteria for laparoscopy.

The optimal treatment of lymphoceles following renal transplantation

The optimal treatment of lymphoceles following renal transplantation

Percutaneous transcatheter ethanol sclerotherapy of postoperative pelvic lymphoceles.

Although percutaneous procedures have been used for the treatment of lymphoceles, transcatheter sclerosing therapy has not been widely applied. We present the results of transcatheter sclerotherapy of lymphoceles with 96% absolute ethanol in 7 patients who had developed lymphocele after pelvic lymphadenectomy for uterine cancer. Seven of the eight lymphoceles (88%) completely disappeared after treatment. The duration of catheter drainage ranged from 4 to 21 days. Although one lymphocele did not resolve completely, it did not require surgery as the patient's symptoms resolved.

Experimental and Clinical Applications of Fibrin Glue

A 2-year experience with laboratory and clinical applications of fibrin glue is presented. An autologous technique, which eliminates the danger of multidonor preparations, has been developed in our blood bank. While one can obtain different fibrinogen concentrations from the same amount of a patient's blood, in vitro mechanical testing demonstrated that at higher fibrinogen concentrations there is an increase in shear adhesive strength. Evaluation of skin-graft take in 16 Sprague-Dawley rats did not demonstrate significant differences in healing when adhesive use was compared with suture technique. In a clinical study, four different groups of patients (facial burns, hand burns, difficult graft sites, and miscellaneous surgical applications) benefited from autologous or single-donor fibrin glue for a total of 82 cases. There are several distinct advantages to the use of fibrin adhesive: The autologous technique eliminates the risk of transmissible viral diseases (AIDS, hepatitis); it can be used as a sealant in the treatment of seromas, dural leaks, and lymphoceles; and it improves hemostasis and early graft adherence. Face and hands are resurfaced with sheet grafts in a single procedure, obtaining a better aesthetic result with complete graft take and immediate start of physical therapy. Neither sutures nor pressure dressings are required. The minimal postoperative care associated with early return to normal activities seems to increase the satisfaction of patients and nurse personnel.

Treatment of Lymphocele Associated with Renal Transplant

A new method of operative drainage of lymphoceles following renal transplantation is described. The technique involves intraperitoneal marsupialisation of the lymphocele cavity followed by insertion of a Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter to splint open the peritoneal window and act as an internal drain.

Lymphoceles: percutaneous treatment with povidone-iodine sclerosis.

Although percutaneous procedures have gained a degree of acceptance for treatment of lymphoceles, success rates for aspiration and drainage have been less than optimal. The authors investigated transcatheter sclerosis of pelvic lymphoceles with povidone-iodine as a method to increase the success rate of percutaneous management. Eight patients with a total of nine pelvic lymphoceles were treated with this method. Eight of the nine lymphoceles (89%) resolved without complications. Four patients had undergone lymphadenectomy and four, renal transplantation. The duration of catheter drainage ranged from 15 to 37 days. Four of the lymphoceles were found to be infected at initial drainage, but this did not alter the amount of time the catheter was left in place. One lymphocele failed to heal with sclerotherapy and required internal drainage. The early results with transcatheter povidone-iodine sclerosis of postoperative lymphoceles are encouraging and warrant further evaluation.

Diagnosis and management of lymphoceles after renal transplantation.

Eighteen lymphoceles developed after 199 renal transplantations, 11 being asymptomatic. Ultrasound was the most sensitive method of detection. Seven lymphoceles were symptomatic, pelvic mass and decreased renal function being the most frequent signs. Five lymphoceles were successfully treated by instillation of iodate povidone into the lymphatic cavity; there were no complications or recurrences. This is a simple, safe and inexpensive method for the treatment of lymphoceles after renal transplantation.

Treatment of Persistent Lymphocele Following Saphenous Vein Harvesting: A Case Report

A case of lymphocele in the lower thigh, following removal of the saphenous vein, is presented. The pathophysiology and surgical treatment are described. Lymphatic complications after removal of saphenous veins are uncommon. Most of these consist of a temporary leak or subcutaneous collection of lymph. Persistent collection of lymph in the thigh may require an operation. Such a case, successfully treated by an operation, is described. The value of lymphan giogram, both in diagnosis and as an aid in the operation, is discussed.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Lymphoceles in the Renal Transplant Recipient

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Lymphoceles in the Renal Transplant Recipient

A Simple and Safe Method for Management of Lymphocele After Renal Transplantation

Povidone-iodine instillation into the lymphatic cavity is a simple method for lymphocele treatment in renal transplantation. We describe 2 cases successfully treated with this procedure.