Percutaneous treatment of lymphocele in renal transplant recipients

Of 700 consecutive live-donor kidney transplants, 37 patients (5%) developed a symptomatic lymphocele. Two of ten patients were treated successfully by a single percutaneous needle aspiration. Percutaneous catheters were inserted in 30 patients, either primarily of after failure of other treatments. Of these 30 patients, tetracycline sclerotherapy was used in 21. The overall success rate of percutaneous catheter drainage was 93% (28/30). Surgical marsupialization was successful in 7 of 8 patients (88%). We conclude that percutaneous needle aspiration is ineffective in the treatment of symptomatic lymphocele, while percutaneous catheter drainage with tetracycline sclerotherapy is safe and effective. Should catheter drainage fail, surgical marsupialization will usually be effective.