title: Lymphatic injury at sacrocolpopexy: an unusual complication.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lymphorrhea is a rare condition with a paucity of reports in the gynaecologic literature. The most frequent causes are invasive procedures and surgical interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multiparous woman underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy and abdominal sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse. During retroperitoneal dissection, clear fluid discharge was encountered. Ureteric injury was subsequently ruled out. A sample of the fluid was taken to confirm lymphatic injury. Ligation suture and closing the peritoneum slowed fluid drainage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To our knowledge, this is the first reported lymphatic injury in association with a urogynaecologic procedure. Gynaecologists should be aware of this potential complication and should have an approach to diagnosis and management. This case highlights the importance of intraoperative consultation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Michael W H
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Suen
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Roxana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geoffrion
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008196:Lymph; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000293:injuries*; D010298:Parity; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: gynaecologic surgical procedures; laparotomy; lymphatic injury; lymphatic vessels; pelvic organ prolapse; sacrocolpopexy