[Treatment of lymphocele after kidney transplantation]

Lymphocele is a possible postoperative complication of renal transplantation and its treatment is still controversial. Over a 3-year period (January 1992 to December 1993), 7 patients with a complicated lymphocele were treated by various modalities. Puncture-drainage was used in 7 cases, Povidone sclerotherapy was performed in 4 cases and internal drainage was performed by surgical marsupialization in one case and by laparoscopy in 4 cases. The results of external drainage and sclerotherapy were disappointing, with 1 good result out of 7 and 1 moderate result out of 4, respectively. On the other hand, internal drainage was effective in every case, whether it was performed by surgical or laparoscopic marsupialization. The latter technique avoids the disadvantages of open surgery in high-risk patients. Laparoscopy appears to be the treatment of choice for post-renal transplantation lymphoceles, as it is simple, rapid and effective.