Postoperative lymphocysts after lymphadenectomy for gynaecological malignancies: preventive techniques and prospects.

Aziz Achouri, Cyrille Huchon, Anne-Sophie Bats, Cherazade Bensaïd, Claude Nos, Fabrice Lécuru

Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology 2012 Apr

filter terms:

Postoperative lymphocyst formation is an insufficiently recognised complication of lymphadenectomy for gynaecological malignancies. Lymphocysts are collections of lymph organised into cysts that develop in contact with lymphadenectomy compartments. There has been considerable debate about the relevance of lymphocyst prevention using surgical or pharmacotherapeutic methods. Here, we review the available studies about the impact of these methods on the incidence of lymphocysts. This review suggests that several techniques may decrease the incidence of lymphocysts when used in combination. On a literature basis, the peritoneum should be left open over the lymphadenectomy sites at the end of the procedure and drains should not be placed at the end of the procedure. Omentoplasty should be encouraged and further studies are needed to assess the potential benefits of new energies. Postoperative octreotide therapy seems beneficial but the role of this drug in pelvic oncological surgery remains to be determined. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Aziz Achouri, Cyrille Huchon, Anne-Sophie Bats, Cherazade Bensaïd, Claude Nos, Fabrice Lécuru. Postoperative lymphocysts after lymphadenectomy for gynaecological malignancies: preventive techniques and prospects. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. 2012 Apr;161(2):125-9