Management of Chyloretroperitoneum After Lumbar Surgery by Anterior Approach

Anterior lumbar approach, routinely used in spinal surgery, provides many advantages, specifically avoidance of manipulation and potential injury to nervous system structures; it also provides indirect central and foraminal decompression, with a complication rate of 1%-3%. Chyloretroperitoneum is a rare complication of spinal procedures using anterior lumbar approach. The aim of this study was to discuss diagnosis, treatment, and management of chyloretroperitoneum based on review of the international literature through 2017.

The literature review was conducted using the terms "chyloretroperitoneum," "spinal surgery," and "lymphocele." Additionally, an illustrative case of chyloretroperitoneum following anterior retroperitoneal lumbar approach was presented.

In 33 cases, including the present case, clinical symptoms appeared after discharge in 75.8% (n = 25) and reflected direct mass effect. Abdominopelvic computed tomography permitted assessment of the fluid collection observed as a hypodense collection around the psoas muscle. In 24 cases, drainage of the chyloretroperitoneum was maintained for a mean duration of 2.9 days. Surgery was performed in 14 patients (42.4%) owing to lymphatic collection. In 5 cases, surgery was performed for direct lymphatic vessel treatment. Laparoscopic marsupialization of the collection and peritoneal fenestration were performed, especially after percutaneous drainage failure.

Computed tomography was the most useful imaging modality for diagnosis and assessment of associated complications. If puncture alone is not sufficient and should be avoided, percutaneous computed tomography-guided drainage with sclerosing agent administration appears to be a safe and efficient first-line treatment. Laparoscopic fenestration should be used in cases of complicated or recurrent lymphoceles.