The use of Tenckhoff catheters for draining of symptomatic lymphoceles: a review of literature and our experience

Abstract

Background: Lymphoceles are one of the common complications of kidney transplantations. While small, asymptomatic lypmhoceles do not require intervention, however, larger, high-pressure cases can lead to graft dysfunction and are thus an indication for decompression. The aim of this study is to present the drainage using a Tenckhoff catheter as effective treatment for recurrence of symptomatic lymphoceles based on both a single center's experience as well as existing literature.

Materials and methods: In our database, two patients were operated with a Tenckhoff catheter for the recurrence of symptomatic lymphocele. A review of MEDLINE in search of cases with lymphoceles treated with Tenckhoff catheterization yielded only five articles published between 1990 and 2014. The reports covered 15 cases in which 11 patients were treated for a primary lymphocele whereas 4 were treated for a recurring lymphocele.

Results: There was no evidence of lymphocele recurrence or infections after Tenckhoff catheterization in either the material review or our database.

Conclusions: Intraperitoneal drainage with a Tenckhoff catheter seems to be an effective and safe method for treating recurrent, symptomatic lymphoceles after renal transplantation.