Laparoscopic deroofing of post-transplant lymphoceles

Lymphocele is a most common surgical complication following renal transplantation. The indication for treatment is given when the lymphocele becomes symptomatic. We succeeded in laparoscopically deroofing large lymphoceles in nine patients that were causing ureter compression in eight and ipsilateral leg edema in six cases. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the surgery-related hospitalization did not exceed 7 days. Severe adhesions and a thick lymphocele wall, which made preparation difficult, resulted in the transection of the transplant ureter in one case. Techniques and prerequisites that would help to avoid this type of complication are discussed. According to CT scan or sonography, there was no recurrence in any of the patients after a mean follow-up of 11 months. This technique seems to be superior to other methods of treatment because not only is a cure obtained with a single intervention, but there is also a low risk of infection and a short hospitalization.