[Radiological diagnosis and therapy of postoperative abdominal lymphoceles]

Eighty-one patients with postoperative abdominal lymphoceles were examined by CT and ultrasound. Both methods provide accurate information regarding localisation and extent of the lymphocele. In 51 patients conservative treatment under sonographic or CT observation was carried out. In seven patients, irradiation lead to complete regression. In 21 patients, interventional radiological therapy was carried out with simultaneous irradiation in seven cases. In five patients surgery was necessary. Asymptomatic lymphoceles should be treated conservatively and only after the appearance of clinical symptoms should interventional radiological or surgical measures be carried out.