PERCUTANEOUS SCLEROTHERAPY OF LYMPHOCELES RELATED TO RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION

PURPOSE: To determine the advantages of using transcatheter sclerother apy to treat renal allograft-related lymphoceles. MATERIALS AND METHOD S: Eighteen patients first seen with symptomatic lymphoceles secondary to renal transplantation were treated with povidone-iodine percutaneo us sclerotherapy. Percutaneous catheters were placed by means of sonog raphic, computed tomographic, or combined fluoroscopic and sonographic guidance. Sclerotherapy was initiated while patients were in the hosp ital, and the patients then instilled povidone-iodine twice a day at h ome. RESULTS: One patient had an inadequate trial period of therapy an d was not included in the analysis. Seventeen lymphoceles were adequat ely sclerosed. Average length of treatment was 35 days. Three lymphoce les recurred and were effectively treated percutaneously. Follow-up st udies showed no recurrence 1 month to 2 years after completion of ther apy. No patient needed surgery for lymphocele repair. CONCLUSION: Beca use of its safety and efficacy, percutaneous transcatheter sclerothera py with povidone-iodine should be the treatment of choice in patients with lymphoceles that develop after renal transplantation.