Retroperitoneoscopic renal pedicle lymphatic disconnection for chyluria

Objective To report our experiences in retroperitonescopic renal pedicle lymphatic stripping for chyluria.Methods Six cases of filarial chyluria were admitted to our hospital from November 2001 to June 2002. Of these cases, 4 were men and 2 women, with age ranging from 34 to 52 years (mean, 42 years) . Diagnosis was made by using urine test for the presence of chyle and fat globule, cystoscopy, excretory urogram and retrograde pyelography. Chyluria was found on the left renal unit in 2 cases and on the right side in 4 cases. The technique of retroperitoneoscopic management of chyluria consisted of nephrolympholysis, hilar vessel stripping and ureterolympholysis.Results Operative time ranged from 69 to 120 minutes (mean, 95 minutes). Intraoperative blood loss was 50 -180 ml (mean, 85 ml). Chyluria disappeared in all patients immediately after operation. Mild hematuria occurred in 4 cases within 12 hours and disappeared at 24 hours. Subcutaneous emphysema around the lesions was found in 2 cases and was sp