Chylous ascites after post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: review of the M. D. Anderson experience.
OBJECTIVE
We determined the clinical presentation, risk factors and optimal treatment of chylous ascites that develop after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with testicular cancer.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 329 patients who underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection at our institution, of whom 23 (7%) had chylous ascites postoperatively. Clinical and pathological parameters were entered into a database.


RESULTS
Mean patient age at chylous ascites presentation was 32.1 years. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses increasing amounts of preoperative chemotherapy (OR 1.24) and intraoperative blood loss (OR 1.33) were predictive of chylous ascites. The clinical presentation of chylous ascites consisted of abdominal fullness and distention in all patients. Initial treatment was paracentesis alone or combined with total parenteral nutrition in 77% of patients. An abdominal drain was used for persistent ascites in 10 patients. In patients treated conservatively the rate of resolution of chylous ascites was 77%. Only 23% of patients required peritoneovenous shunt placement. However, shunt use was associated with an 80% surgical revision rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Conservative treatment resolves most cases of postoperative chylous ascites. An abdominal catheter drain should be considered for significant or recurring chylous ascites. When a peritoneovenous shunt is required, it may be needed for an extensive period for resolution and there are significant complications associated with its use. Increasing amounts of preoperative chemotherapy and operative blood loss raise the likelihood of chylous ascites.
Evans
James G
JG
Department of Urologic Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Spiess
Philippe E
PE
Kamat
Ashish M
AM
Wood
Christopher G
CG
Hernandez
Mike
M
Pettaway
Curtis A
CA
Dinney
Colin P N
CP
Pisters
Louis L
LL
D000328:Adult; D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013781:Texas