Lymphatic drainage after lumbar surgery.
METHODS
A case report of lymphatic drainage after anterior retroperitoneal debridement and reconstruction for lumbar osteomyelitis.


OBJECTIVE
To report a case of protracted lymphatic drainage after anterior lumbar surgery, a complication that has not been reported previously.


BACKGROUND
Lymphatic drainage after transthoracic surgery is a well-recognized complication. The possibility of lymphatic drainage after anterior lumbar surgery is less likely to be considered.


METHODS
The cause, clinical symptoms and appearance, treatment, and differential diagnosis are reviewed.


RESULTS
Lymphangiography is useful in diagnosis and should be performed early if the diagnosis is in doubt. Percutaneous drainage can facilitate early wound healing.


CONCLUSIONS
Lymphatic drainage should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative wound drainage, particularly after surgical debridement for osteomyelitis.
Hanson
D
D
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Mirkovic
S
S
D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002913:Chyle; D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003646:Debridement / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008220:Lymphography; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications