Treatment of postoperative lymphoceles with percutaneous drainage and alcohol sclerotherapy

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous catheter drainage combined with alcohol sclerosis in the treatment of postoperative lymphoceles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with 14 postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles were treated. Drainage catheters were inserted under ultrasound (n = 13) or computed tomographic (n = 1) guidance. Lymphocele sclerosis was performed by instilling 10-100 mt of absolute alcohol Into the lymphocele cavity and aspirating the alcohol after 30 minutes. Sclerosis sessions were carried out one to three times per day, usually three times per week, Catheter sinograms were obtained and prophylactic antibiotics administered. Imaging was repeated if symptoms or signs of recurrence developed. RESULTS: Successful drainage and sclerosis were achieved in all 13 patients, One patient with a recurrence was successfully treated with repeated drainage and alcohol ablation. No adverse effects of alcohol instillation were seen, The mean duration of catheterization was 36 days (range, 17-65 days; median, 30 days). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous drainage combined with alcohol ablation is a safe and effective treatment of postoperative lymphoceles.