Percutaneous Lymphatic Maceration and Glue Embolization for High-output Chylous Ascites after Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy and Lymphadenectomy

Abstract

To propose minimally invasive percutaneous techniques in the management of high output chylous ascites, a known potential complication of retroperitoneal surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management has traditionally been based on successful treatment reported in the literature. However, refractory or high-output leaks often prove difficult to treat and there is little evidence on superior management. We report percutaneous maceration and embolization for the management of high-volume abdominal chyle leak after robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) radical nephrectomy and lymph node dissection for renal cell carcinoma. A 68-year-old male with incidentally found renal cell carcinoma underwent RAL radical nephrectomy with paraaortic lymph node dissection. He initially improved after surgery but developed significant abdominal pain and distension approximately 7 weeks postoperative. This proved to be chyloperitoneum. Conservative management was initiated, but after continued high-output (>1 L) fluid drainage, we pursued adjunct intervention involving Interventional Radiological percutaneous procedures. This included lymphatic maceration and glue embolization of leaking lymphatics. The patient tolerated the percutaneous procedures well with significant improvement in drain output ultimately leading to complete resolution of ascites without further complication. Similar interventions have previously been reported in the literature for cases of chylothorax with success. However, there is a lack of reports on utilizing this minimally invasive procedure for chyloperitoneum after retroperitoneal urologic surgery. We report our successful experience with percutaneous lymphatic maceration and embolization for high output chylous ascites after RAL radical nephrectomy with lymphadenectomy. We believe that early initiation utilizing these percutaneous techniques can achieve timely resolution and should be considered in the management of these patients.