Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Doppler evaluation of external iliac vein hemodynamic changes caused by lymphocele after lymphadenectomy for cervical
Agnieszka Bianek-Bodzak1, Wojciech Sliwinski, Piotr Mielcarek
1The First Radiology Unit, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Kliniczna 1 a 80-402, Gdansk, Poland.
Purpose:
To use Doppler sonography to assess the hemodynamic changes in the external iliac vein (EIV) compressed by a pelvic lymphocele after pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with cervical cancer.
Materials And Methods:
Postoperative gray-scale and Doppler sonographic examinations were performed in 71 women after pelvic lymphadenectomy. Twenty healthy women served as controls. When present, the lymphocele was graded on a scale of 1 to 4 based on the percentage of the circumference of iliac vessels in contact with the lymphocele (ie, circumferential contiguity) (grade 1, 0-24%; grade 2, 25-49%; grade 3, 50-74%; grade 4, 75-100%), and in 3 groups according to its maximum diameter (group A, 1-40 mm; group B, 41-60 mm; group C, >60 mm). EIV velocity was measured, and waveform modulation by respiratory movements was analyzed.
Results:
There were 40 lymphoceles in 22 patients. The mean (+/-SD) EIV velocity was 24.5 +/- 14.8 cm/s in the control group, 38.2 +/- 5.9 cm/s in group 1, 69.2 +/- 29.4 cm/s in group 2, 105.75 +/- 12.36 cm/s in group 3, and 139.5 +/- 33.79 cm/s in group 4. Spontaneous EIV blood flow could not be detected in 2 cases in the later group. EIV flow modulation was significantly lower in patients with greater lymphocele contiguity or diameter.
Conclusions:
Post-pelvic lymphadenectomy causes EIV extrinsic compression that results in upstream blood stasis, potentially increasing the risk for deep vein thrombosis.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment: