title: Retroperitoneal lymphatic cyst formation after anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report of 3 cases.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A retroperitoneal lymphocele is a very rare complication associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  We report the diagnosis and management of 3 retroperitoneal lymphoceles, which occurred after anterior left retroperitoneal approaches for lumbar interbody fusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  As the radiologic examinations revealed the lymphoceles in all 3 cases laparoscopic fenestration was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients had good recovery and no recurrence of the lymphoceles occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If this rare complication occurs the primary intervention should be laparoscopic fenestration because of the high recurrence rate of other treatment modalities.
authors.affiliation: Department for Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr, Innsbruck, Austria. martin.thaler@uki.at
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thaler
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Achatz
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liebensteiner
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nehoda
authors.forename: Christian M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000592:standards; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008210:Lymphocele / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012086:Reoperation; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D014513:Ureter / Q000503:physiopathology; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000503:physiopathology