Retroperitoneoscopic nephrolympholysis and ureterolysis for management of intractable filarial chyluria.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of retroperitoneoscopic lymphatic disconnection in patients with intractable filarial chyluria with the aim of reducing the morbidity of the surgery.


METHODS
Two patients presented to us with intractable chyluria. They did not respond to conservative measures and endoscopic sclerotherapy. In view of the severe lipid and protein loss associated with recurrent bouts of chyluria, they merited surgical correction by lymphatic disconnection. Because this operation requires extensive mobilization within the retroperitoneum over a large area, it necessitates a large flank or midline incision. In order to reduce the incision-related morbidity, it was decided to undertake the procedure laparoscopically. The retroperitoneal route was chosen for its obvious advantages.


RESULTS
Surgery was carried out uneventfully in both patients, with a mean operating time of 2 hours. The patients stayed in the hospital for an average of 2.5 days. Chyluria resolved in the immediate postoperative period, and they have been asymptomatic over a follow-up of 30 and 18 months. One patient had drainage of lymph for 5 days, which resolved spontaneously.


CONCLUSIONS
The objectives of open surgery can be achieved by the minimally invasive approach of retroperitoneoscopy. The new approach significantly reduces the incision-related morbidity without compromising the principles of open surgery. We propose five important steps necessary to avoid recurrence and reduce postoperative morbidity.
Hemal
A K
AK
Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. akhemal@hotmail.com
Kumar
M
M
Wadhwa
S N
SN
D000328:Adult; D002913:Chyle; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005368:Filariasis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D018666:Ureteroscopy