Lymphatic Injury with Lymph Fistula After Anterior Lumbar Fusion Managed with Vacuum-Assisted Closure: A Case Report.

A 40-year-old man underwent an L5-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and subsequently developed abdominal distention and persistent wound drainage. During wound reexploration, a substantial lymphocele and lymphatic fistula tracking from the ALIF site were visualized and evacuated. The deep space was coated with fibrin sealant. A deep drain and wound vacuum were placed within the retroperitoneal cavity, leading to progressive recovery. Intraoperative lymphatic injury during anterior spinal surgery can progress to the development of a lymphocele and lymphatic fistula, manageable with an exploratory laparotomy, fibrin sealant, and the use of a wound vacuum to promote fistula sealing. Copyright © 2021 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.

Citation

Davis A Hartnett, Andrew S Zhang, William B Hogan, Alan H Daniels. Lymphatic Injury with Lymph Fistula After Anterior Lumbar Fusion Managed with Vacuum-Assisted Closure: A Case Report. JBJS case connector. 2021 Oct 20;11(4)

Mesh Tags

PMID: 34669632

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