Retroperitoneal lymphatic cyst formation after anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report of 3 cases.
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.
Thaler
Martin
M
Department for Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr, Innsbruck, Austria. martin.thaler@uki.at
Achatz
Wolfgang
W
Liebensteiner
Michael
M
Nehoda
Hermann
H
Bach
Christian M
CM
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