Innovative Use of Denver Shunt in a Child with Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly.

BACKGROUND

Denver® shunts have traditionally been used for palliation of refractory malignant and chylous peritoneal and pleural collections. We describe an innovative use of the Denver shunt in a child with generalized lymphatic anomaly.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of a 6-year-old girl with generalized lymphatic anomaly, who presented with refractory lymphorrhea from the labium majus, was performed. This was managed with innovative placement of the Denver shunt between a large abdominal wall cyst and the peritoneal cavity.

RESULTS

There was progressive reduction in lymphorrhea with complete cessation at 11 months post shunt placement. At 33-month follow-up, the shunt remains patent with no further lymphorrhea.

CONCLUSION

Denver shunts can be utilized for the creation of internal drainage pathways besides its traditional uses for draining peritoneal and pleural fluids.