Introduction: The lymphocele is a common complication following renal
transplantation and may cause significant clinical problems especially
when reachs to big volumes. The aim of this study is to present the
clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic
strategies of lymphocele formations in a group of Turkish patients.
Methods: A total of 244 renal transplantations were included in this
retrospective study. Data of patients who were diagnosed with lymphocele
during the postoperative period were analyzed. Results: Ten (2.4\%)
patients have been diagnosed with lymphocele. There were six males and 4
females, with a mean age of 46 years. The median onset was 19 days
posttransplantation. The median size of the lymphoceles was 53 mm. All
lymphoceles were localizated between the lower pole of the transplanted
kidney and urine bladder. On presentation, one patient had
hydronephrosis and three patients had elevated serum creatinine while
the remaining six ones were asymptomatic. Five patients were
successfully treated by percutaneous aspiration whereas two patients
required surgery. Three patients' lymphoceles dissolved spontaneously.
Conclusion: Preventive strategies including preserving the lymphatics of
the recipient, careful organ retrieval and `back table' work are of
great importance to reduce the incidence of lymphocele. Early decision
of radiological or surgical intervention should be considered in
patients with symptomatic lymphoceles in order to prevent further
complications