Laparoscopic drainage for the treatment of posttransplant lymphocele

Lymphocele following renal transplantation may be associated with ureteral obstruction, venous obstruction, venous thrombosis, infection and pain. Drainage of lymphocele is indicated when these complications arise or if the patient is symptomatic from the size and pressure of the lymphocele. Less invasive methods for the treatment of lymphocele, including simple needle aspiration, external drainage and sclerotherapy, are associated with an unacceptably high incidence of recurrence and complications. Internal drainage is the treatment of choice either via the retroperitoneal transplant incision or transperitoneally through abdominal incision. We now report a case of posttransplanted lymphocele that was successfully drained into the peritoneal cavity using laparoscopy. We believe this is an effective alternative route to provide internal drainage for lymphoceles.