Impact of lymphadenectomy on short- and long-term complications in patients with endometrial cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Early endometrial cancer is primarily treated surgically via hysterectomy, adenectomy and, depending on tumor stage and subtype, lymphadenectomy. Systematic lymph node dissection is known to cause surgical complications. The aim of the present study was to investigate morbidity and mortality rates associated with lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery in a routine clinical setting. METHODS: We collected data from 232 patients who were operated for endometrial carcinoma between 2006 and 2018 at the University of Lubeck, Germany. Surgical complications were viewed in relation to surgical risk factors. Additionally, a questionnaire concerning long-term lymphatic complications and survival was completed. Survival was compared between patients who underwent lymphadenectomy (group I) and those who did not (group II). RESULTS: Patients in group I needed revision surgery significantly more often due to postoperative complications (such as lymphoceles) compared to those in group II (p = 0.01). The results indicate more serious complications in patients who underwent a systematic lymphadenectomy and in those with lymph node metastases. 15% of patients who underwent a systematic lymphadenectomy had lymph node metastases. Recurrences occurred in 12.5% of cases and were significantly more frequent in patients who had undergone a lymphadenectomy, even if the lymph nodes were negative (p = 0.02). A comparison of survival data during the follow-up period revealed no significant difference. The study highlighted the need for a better preoperative risk stratification and the avoidance of lymphadenectomy for surgical staging alone.

Prophylactic Peritoneal Fenestration during Kidney Transplantation Can Reduce the Type C Lymphocele Formation.

Lymphocele is a common complication following kidney transplantation (KTx). We aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of peritoneal fenestration during KTx in reducing lymphocele. From January 2001, the data of all KTx were prospectively gathered in our digital data bank. From 2008, preventive peritoneal fenestration was performed as a routine procedure for all patients with KTx. Between 2001 and 2008, 579 KTx were performed without preventive peritoneal fenestration. To compare the results between with and without peritoneal fenestration, the same number of patients after 2008 (579 patients) was included in this study. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative data of the patients in these two groups were analyzed and compared, especially regarding the postoperative different types of lymphocele formation. The mean recipient age was 52.6 ± 13.8, and 33.7% of the patients were female. Type C lymphocele was significantly lower in the group with preventive fenestration (5.3% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.014 for 31/579 vs. 51/579). Peritoneal dialysis and implantation of the kidney in the left fossa were independently associated with a higher rate of type C lymphocele (OR 2.842, 95% CI 1.354-5.967, p = 0.006 and OR 3.614, 95% CI 1.215-10.747, p = 0.021, respectively). The results of this study showed that intraoperative preventive peritoneal fenestration could significantly reduce type C lymphocele.

Validating Consensus-Defined Severity Grading of Lymphatic Complications after Kidney Transplant.

Lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation (KTx) are associated with morbidities such as impaired wound healing, thrombosis, and organ failure. Recently, a consensus regarding the definition and severity grading of lymphoceles has been suggested. The aim of the present study was to validate this classification method. All adult patients who underwent KTx between December 2011 and September 2016 in our department were evaluated regarding lymphoceles that were diagnosed within 6 months after KTx based on the recent definition. Patients with lymphoceles were categorized according to the classification criteria, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. In our department, a total of 587 patients underwent KTx between 2011 and 2016. Lymphoceles were detected after KTx in 90 patients (15.3%). Among these patients, 24 (26.6%) had grade A lymphoceles, 14 (15.6%) had grade B, and 52 (57.8%) had grade C. The median duration times of intermediate care (IMC) and hospital stay were significantly higher among patients with grade C lymphoceles than they were among patients with grade A and B lymphoceles. Significantly more patients with grade C lymphoceles were readmitted to the hospital for treatment. The recently published definition and severity grading of lymphoceles after KTx is an easy-to-use and valid classification system, which may facilitate the comparison of results from different studies on lymphoceles after KTx.

Bipolar vessel sealing system versus silk ligation of lymphatic vessels in renal transplant recipient lymphatic complications: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to compare lymphatic complications of bipolar vessel sealing system with silk ligation of lymphatic vessels among renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial done among 68 patients undergoing renal transplantation in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. They were randomly assigned to either silk ligation or Enseal bipolar vessel sealing lymphatic dissection. Postoperative drain volume and duration of drain placement were measured in all patients. Ultrasound was used to find lymphocele formation in six and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Total of 30 patients in silk ligation group and 28 patients in bipolar vessel sealing group were analyzed. The baseline characteristics of the patients in each group were similar. Overall, lymphatic complications (either lymphorrhea or lymphocele formation) were in 16 cases (27.58%), 7 (25%) in the bipolar group, and 9 (30%) in the silk ligation group (p = 0.67). A total of 13 patients (22.41%) had lymphorrhea, 6 (21.4%) patients in the bipolar group, and 7 (23.3%) patients in the silk ligation group. Median drain volume was 415 ml (Q1 275 ml, Q3 675 ml) in the bipolar group and 542 ml (Q1 290, Q3 775) in silk group (p = 0.72). Median drain removal day was 5 in each bipolar and silk group with Q1 and Q3 being 5 days in each arm (p = 0.95). A total of five patients (8.62%) developed symptomatic lymphocele, two (7.1%) in the bipolar group, and three (10%) in the silk ligation group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In univariate analysis, double renal arteries in the donor's kidney (p = 0.03) and graft rejection (p = 0.04) were risk factors for the development of lymphatic complications. However, in multivariable analysis, these factors were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find any significant differences in lymphatic complications between bipolar vessel sealing system and silk ligation. However, large sample multi-centric studies should be done to add evidences on lymphatic complications differences between these two techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000039354, Date of registration-2020, Feb 01.

Predictors of Lymphatic Complications Following Renal Transplant: A Prospective Study Involving Predominantly Living Donor Transplants From India.

Introduction Lymphatic complications (LC) are common (up to 33%) and troublesome after renal transplantation. Different studies have established varying medical and surgical risk factors, mostly by retrospective analysis on deceased donor renal transplants (DDRTs). The end-point is mostly lymphocele, with few reports documenting the equally important lymphorrhea. Methods In our prospective analytical study done over three years, most were living donor renal transplant (LDRT) pairs by a single team. The primary outcome measure was lymphocele and/or prolonged drainage for more than 15 days, with a six-month follow-up. The variables recorded were age, gender, hemodialysis duration, etiology, relationship, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch, induction regimen, acute rejection, warm ischemia time (WIT), and delayed graft function (DGF). Univariate analysis was by chi-square and t-tests as applicable, while logistic regression (both simultaneous and forward stepwise) was used for risk factor prediction. Results Eligible cases were 150, with 145 (97%) LDRT pairs. Donors were mostly female (122/150; 81%) with mean age (~43 years) higher than recipient age (~33 years). The common etiologies were diabetes (31%), hypertension (23%), and IgA nephropathy (11%). Most donors were mothers (37%) and wives (31%), and 28% of LDRT pairs had HLA mismatch >3. Mean duration of hemodialysis was about 18 months, and mean WIT was 52 minutes. Both DGF (B coefficient= -1.69, p<0.000) and WIT (B=-0.038, p=0.024) were significant predictors of the primary outcome, while drain removal before 15 days predicted lymphocele significantly (B=-2.4, p<0.000).  Conclusions LDRT has specific risk factors for lymphatic complications, which may be related to extent of recipient vascular dissection, arterial anastomotic time, and early drain removal.

Diagnosis and Management of Lymphatic Disorders in Congenital Heart Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lymphatic disorders have received an increasing amount of attention over the last decade. Sparked primarily by improved imaging modalities and the dawn of lymphatic interventions, understanding, diagnostics, and treatment of lymphatic complications have undergone considerable improvements. Thus, the current review aims to summarize understanding, diagnostics, and treatment of lymphatic complications in individuals with congenital heart disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The altered hemodynamics of individuals with congenital heart disease has been found to profoundly affect morphology and function of the lymphatic system, rendering this population especially prone to the development of lymphatic complications such as chylous and serous effusions, protein-losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis. Although improved, a full understanding of the pathophysiology and targeted treatment for lymphatic complications is still wanting. Future research into pharmacological improvement of lymphatic function and continued implementation of lymphatic imaging and interventions may improve knowledge, treatment options, and outcome for affected individuals.

Whole-body lymphangioscintigraphy and SPECT/CT in children with lymphatic complications after surgery for complex congenital heart disease.

The number of patients surviving repair of complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) has increased due to improved surgical techniques, post operative management and outpatient care. Likewise, this growing patient population has demonstrated an increasing number and complexity of complications involving the lymphatic system. To evaluate the peripheral and central lymphatic system, whole-body lymphangioscintigraphy (LAS) is considered as the initial imaging evaluation of choice. To date, very few publications exist on the value of lymphatic imaging techniques in infants and small children with lymphatic complications following surgery for congenital heart disease. A retrospective review of medical records from 2008 to 2018 was performed for pediatric patients referred for lymphatic complications after CCHD surgery at an academic medical center. LAS and SPECT/CT was performed using intradermal bipedal injections of Tc 99m labeled filtered sulfur colloid, and in some patients also bilateral hand injections, followed by dynamic imaging and whole- body planar imaging typically up to 180 minutes post injection. Clinical decision making and outcomes were recorded. LAS and SPECT/CT were performed without complication in pediatric patients with prior surgery for CCHD. LAS successfully localized various lymphatic abnormalities such as lymphatic obstruction, reflux, and leaks, which were further delineated by SPECT/CT. LAS findings directed further evaluation with more definitive studies, management and prognosis. Five of the ten patients had follow up outcome data - 2 years and up to 10 years. LAS and SPECT/CT are safe and effective techniques for the initial evaluation of lymphatic abnormalities in pediatric patients with CCHD. LAS, particularly with further 3D localization by SPECT/CT, provides functional imaging of peripheral and central lymphatic flow and thus provides guidance for medical therapy, non operative interventional management, and surgical therapy for these diverse, debilitating, and often life threatening disorders.

Vascular and lymphatic complications after thoracic duct cannulation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of vascular and lymphatic complications after attempted transabdominal thoracic duct cannulation. METHODS: There were 58 patients who underwent attempted thoracic duct cannulation. Patients presented with chyle leak in the chest (n = 40), abdomen (n = 9), neck (n = 8), and pelvis (n = 1). Vertebral body level and geographic access, needle gauge, additional access for treatment, technical success, intervention performed, immediate and delayed complications, and follow-up duration were recorded. Imaging and electronic medical records were reviewed at follow-up for complications and treatment success. RESULTS: Access into the lymphatic system was obtained at L1 (n = 21), T12 (n = 17), L2 (n = 14), L3 (n = 3), T11 (n = 1), L4 (n = 1), and L5 (n = 1). Lymphatic access was achieved in the center (n = 28), on the right (n = 16), or on the left (n = 14) of the vertebral body; 21-, 22-, and 25-gauge needles were used in 45 patients, 12 patients, and 1 patient, respectively. Arm venous and percutaneous supraclavicular access was successful in 15 patients and eight patients, respectively. Cannulation of the thoracic duct was achieved in 52 (89.7%) patients. Embolization, disruption, and stenting were performed in 41 (70.7%), 12 (20.7%), and 2 (3.4%) patients; 3 (5.2%) patients had normal thoracic ducts after successful cannulation. Immediate complications consisted of shearing of the access wire in two (3.4%) patients. Retrospective analysis of initial follow-up imaging in 49 (84.5%) patients revealed the following late complications: inferior vena cava and right renal vein thrombosis and one perinephric lymphatic collection. CONCLUSIONS: Of 58 patients who had attempted thoracic duct cannulation, successful access was achieved in 90% of patients. Early and delayed complications occurred in 3.4% and 4% of patients, respectively. Thoracic duct cannulation represents a highly successful technique that aids in the treatment of chyle leaks in medically complex patients.

Robotic infrarenal paraaortic and pelvic nodal staging for endometrial cancer: feasibility and lymphatic complications.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and lymphatic complications of robotic pelvic and infrarenal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with high risk endometrial cancer during the study period were identified (n = 212). Clinical prospective data, with reassessment of lymphatic complications, was analysed for all cases (n = 140) planned for a complete robotic nodal staging. The outcome measures were: success rate of infrarenal paraaortic lymphadenectomy, the rate of lymphatic complications and factors associated with nodal yield. RESULTS: Of the 212 women, an open or restricted robotic procedure was performed in 57 women (27%) and no operation in 15 (7%), the latter due to disseminated disease or comorbidity. In 140 women (66%) in whom staging was intended, the lymphadenectomy included the infrarenal area in 70%, was restricted to the inframesenteric area in 21% and aborted or incomplete in 9%. The median number of paraaortic nodes was 10 (range 2-39). An unsuccessful staging was associated with high BMI and the surgeon's inexperience. At 1 year, three patients (2%) had developed a grade two lower limb lymphedema. Eleven women (8%) demonstrated pelvic lymphocysts; seven (64%) resolved spontaneously. Only one paraaortic lymphocyst was found; this required drainage. No cases of chylous ascites occurred. CONCLUSIONS: An infrarenal robotic paraaortic lymphadenectomy is feasible in 70% of high risk endometrial cancer cases when intended (88% in non-obese patients operated by experienced surgeons), but is restricted in obese patients and by surgeon's inexperience.

Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy of persisting postoperative seromas after varicose vein surgery: a series of six cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our case series was to show the therapeutic effect and the safety of the use of polidocanol foam in ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy treatment of relatively small postoperative seromas after varicose vein surgery. METHODS: We treated six patients with postoperative seromas after varicose vein surgery that were refractory to conventional treatments including compression dressings, repeated needle aspirations and manual lymph drainage. RESULTS: A complete regression of the fluid collections was seen after one and two ultrasound-guided injections of polidocanol foam into the seroma cavity in two cases, respectively. Up to five treatment sessions and up to four further needle aspirations were necessary for the remaining two patients until complete regression of the seromas. No side-effects were reported. CONCLUSION: This is the first case series to report of the regression of postoperative seromas after varicose vein surgery induced by polidocanol foam sclerotherapy.