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Updated: May 15, 2026
07:17
Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Chyle Leak following Open Donor Nephrectomy: A Rare Complication-A Case Report
Sandeep Harkar1, Dharam Vir Singh, Sanjay Kumar Gupta
1Department of Urology, Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi Cantt, New Delhi 110012, India.
Case Reports in Transplantation
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Chyle leakage is a rare complication after kidney donor nephrectomy. Conservative management with a low-fat diet effectively resolved chyle leaks in two kidney donors, highlighting a successful treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Surgical Complications
- Transplantation
Background:
- Donor workup for renal transplantation is thorough.
- Chyle leakage is a rare but reported complication following donor nephrectomy.
- Two cases of chyle leak were identified in a series of open donor nephrectomies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and discuss two cases of chyle leak in living kidney donors.
- To review management options for post-nephrectomy chyle leakage.
Main Methods:
- Standard open retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy with drain placement was performed in 684 living renal donors.
- Two cases presented with high drain output and milky fluid, confirmed as chyle.
- Conservative management with a low-fat diet was initiated.
Main Results:
- Both patients with chyle leak were managed conservatively.
- Chyle leaks resolved spontaneously within three weeks in one patient and one week in the other.
- Patients remained symptom-free post-discharge.
Conclusions:
- Conservative management, including a low-fat diet, is effective for chyle leak after open donor nephrectomy.
- Spontaneous resolution of chyle leak is achievable.
- Further review of management options and center experiences is warranted.
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