Management of lymphoceles after kidney transplantation

Post-transplant lymphoceles (LC) may lead to impaired graft function. Treatment modalities include fine-needle aspiration, percutaneous drainage, and surgical internal drainage. Recently, laparoscopic fenestration has been performed with good results, but experience is still limited. Between January 1991 and August 1996, 919 kidney transplantations were performed in 876 patients at our department. There were 745 first, 133 second, 30 third, 9 fourth, and 2 fifth operations. Sixty-three symptomatic LCs were detected in 62 patients (6.8%) after 39 +/- 31 days. In 44% of the cases, graft function was impaired; in 29% hydronephrosis was documented and in 6% infection of the LC. Forty-five of the 62 patients with LC (73%) had histologically proven rejection. Thirty-five of the 63 LCs were drained percutaneously, 20 LCs were internally drained by open surgery, and 8 LCs were drained by laparoscopy. In 14 of the 47 patients (30%) with primary percutaneous drainage, LC recurred; infection occurred in 17%. Twelve of these patients underwent surgery. One surgical redrainage was necessary after open fenestration. No conversion or complication was noted in the laparoscopy group. We conclude that surgery for post-transplant lymphoceles is safe and effective. We favor the laparoscopic technique in selected patients.