Left subphrenic lymphocele after total gastrectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Complications
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Lymphatic System Disorders

Background:

• Lymphocele is a rare postsurgical complication involving lymphatic fluid accumulation.
• It is most frequently observed after pelvic lymphadenectomy but can arise from other procedures causing lymphatic injury.
• Understanding the diverse origins of lymphocele is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• This report details the first documented case of a left subphrenic lymphocele.
• The lymphocele was identified following a gastrectomy procedure.
• The diagnosis was confirmed using computed tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound imaging.

Findings:

• The case presented unique clinical manifestations of a subphrenic lymphocele.
• Radiological features observed on CT and ultrasound were characteristic of this rare complication.
• The subphrenic location is an unusual site for lymphocele formation post-gastrectomy.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of lymphocele presentation after abdominal surgery.
• It underscores the importance of considering lymphocele in the differential diagnosis of postoperative fluid collections, even in atypical locations.
• Further investigation into the specific mechanisms leading to subphrenic lymphocele after gastrectomy may be warranted.