Povidone iodine and dextrose solution combination sclerotherapy in chyluria

To evaluate the effectiveness of combination (povidone iodine and 50% dextrose) renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy (RPIS) as a minimally invasive therapy for chyluria resistant to conservative treatment.

A total of 50 patients with chyluria and hematochyluria (28 men and 22 women) were included in the study. Initially, all were offered conservative antifilarial drug therapy and dietary fat restriction. Intravenous urography was done in all cases to document normal renal functional status. In the patients in whom chyluria persisted after 3 weeks of conservative therapy, cystoscopic lateralization was done and a 5F open-ended ureteral catheter was positioned under local anesthesia. The same was left attached to a 16F Foley catheter for 3 days of RPIS. A solution of 5 mL of 5% povidone iodine and 5 mL of 50% dextrose was instilled twice a day with the patient in the Trendelenburg position for 3 days. In cases of bilateral efflux, the dominant side was treated first. The opposite side was subjected to a similar instillation sclerotherapy schedule after 6 weeks if chyluria persisted.

Of the 50 patients, only 4 responded to conservative therapy. The remaining 46 patients underwent combination RPIS. The mean follow-up was 24 months. Complete remission of chyluria or hematochyluria occurred in 40 (87%) and persisted in 6 patients (13%). Of the 6 patients in whom symptoms persisted, 2 developed chyluria on the side opposite the one treated with RPIS. Another 2 patients developed recurrence on the same side after remaining asymptomatic for 6 months after RPIS. All four of these patients subsequently underwent chylolymphatic disconnection and nephropexy (two open and two laparoscopic) with a successful outcome. The final 2 patients with persistent symptoms were lost to follow-up.

Combination sclerotherapy using a 5% povidone iodine and 50% dextrose solution is a safe and cost-effective minimally invasive therapy for chyluria refractory to conservative treatment.