Postoperative lymphocysts after lymphadenectomy for gynaecological malignancies: preventive techniques and prospects

Postoperative lymphocysts after lymphadenectomy for gynaecological malignancies: preventive techniques and prospects

Postoperative lymphocyst formation is an insufficiently recognised complication of lymphadenectomy for gynaecological malignancies. Lymphocysts are collections of lymph organised into cysts that develop in contact with lymphadenectomy compartments.There has been considerable debate about the relevance of lymphocyst prevention using surgical (eg. surgical mesh/complications.....) or pharmacotherapeutic methods. Here, we review the available studies about the impact of these methods on the incidence of lymphocysts. This review suggests that several techniques may decrease the incidence of lymphocysts when used in combination. On a literature basis, the peritoneum should be left open over the lymphadenectomy sites at the end of the procedure and drains should not be placed at the end of the procedure (infection rates?) . Omentoplasty should be encouraged and further studies are needed to assess the potential benefits of new energies. Postoperative octreotide therapy seems beneficial but the role of this drug in pelvic oncological surgery remains to be determined.


Omentoplasty - o·men·to·plas·ty (-mnt-plst) n.

A surgical procedure in which a portion of the greater omentum is used to cover or fill a defect, augment arterial or portal venous circulation, absorb effusions, or increase lymphatic drainage.