Povidone-iodine sclerosis of pelvic lymphoceles: a prospective study

Twelve patients presented for percutaneous catheter drainage of 13 postoperative pelvic lymphoceles. Six patients with 7 lymphoceles were treated with povidone-iodine sclerosis prior to catheter removal. Only 1 lymphocele (which continued to drain large amounts of fluid during and after the sclerosis procedure) recurred. Six patients with 6 lymphoceles had their percutaneous catheters removed without sclerosis. Fluid collections recurred in 3 instances, necessitating repeat percutaneous drainage (2 patients) or surgery (1 patient). Percutaneous therapy is the treatment of choice for patients with postoperative lymphoceles. Povidone-iodine sclerosis is often effective in preventing reaccumulation of fluid once the lymphocele cavity is collapsed.