Prevention of lymphoceles following renal transplantation

Lymphoceles occur follow 1.2 to 18.1% of renal transplants. Of 543 kidney transplants performed at the University of Minnesota, lymphoceles occured in three (an incidence of 0.6%). These three patients are described. We believe lymphoceles can be prevented by ligation of all lymphatic channels around the iliac artery and vein as these structures are dissected. Also the lymphatics of the donor kidney should be ligated before division. Lymphoceles are best treated by drainage into the peritoneal cavity after excision of as much of the cyst wall as possible.