Intraoperative lymphatic mapping to treat groin lymphorrhea complicating an elective medial thigh lift

Groin lymphoceles and lymphorrhea are a rare complication of medial thigh lift procedures. The author describes a case in which a very thin patient developed groin lymphorrhea after an uncomplicated medial thigh lift procedure. Initial treatment interventions, including edema control and the placement of a drain with surgical exploration, failed to control the lymphatic leak. Additionally, the onset of an infection and abscess formation complicated the treatment efforts. Using techniques well established in treating cutaneous malignancies, the lymphocele was treated successfully by identifying three separately damaged lymphatic channels with the use of intraoperative lymphatic mapping with blue dye. No drains were needed and the immediate cessation of lymph flow was noted. Using this novel adaptation of a well-known technique, the groin lymphocele was able to be repaired quickly and effectively with minimal morbidity and no evidence of recurrence to date.