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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Murine Bilateral Renal Lymphadenectomy
Published on: December 30, 2025
[Lymphocele after renal transplantation: case report and bibliographic review]
Daniel López García1, José Manuel Janeiro Pais, Juan González Dacal
1Servicio de Urología, Hospital Juan Canalejo, La Coruña, España. delnilopez@hotmail.com
Insights
A lymphocele, a common complication after renal transplantation, can cause leg swelling and reduced kidney function. Laparoscopic drainage is a safe and effective treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Renal transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end-stage renal disease.
- Post-transplant lymphocele is a recognized surgical complication.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female renal transplant recipient presented with right lower extremity edema and declining renal function.
- Imaging studies (ultrasound and CT) revealed a fluid collection consistent with a lymphocele.
- Biochemical analysis of aspirated fluid confirmed the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful laparoscopic intraperitoneal drainage of the lymphocele.
- The laparoscopic approach demonstrated good surgical safety and efficacy.
- This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for post-transplant lymphoceles.
Implications:
- Lymphoceles require treatment based on clinical presentation, with options including sclerotherapy and surgical drainage.
- Laparoscopic intraperitoneal drainage is the preferred surgical method due to its security and effectiveness.
- This approach offers a valuable minimally invasive option for managing post-transplant lymphoceles.
Objectives:
To report the case and iconography of a lymphocele after renal transplantation and to review the literature about the diagnosis and the treatment of this surgical complication.
Methods:
69 year-old woman status post renal transplantation who presents right lower extremity edema and worsening renal function. A liquid collection was demonstrated by ultrasound and computerized tomography, compatible with lymphocele after biochemical study of the liquid obtained by percutaneous puncture.
Results:
The patient underwent laparoscopic intraperitoneal drainage of the lymphocele, with good surgical outcome.
Conclusion:
Lymphocele is a common pathology after a renal transplantation which needs to be treated depending on its clinical manifestations. There mainly are two therapeutic alternatives depending on the size of the lymphocele: sclerotherapy and surgical intraperitoneal drainage. Apart from very selected cases, laparoscopic approach is currently considered, because of its security and effectiveness, the first choice when a surgical treatment is prescribed.
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