Retroperitoneal lymphatic cyst formation after anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report of 3 cases.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVE

A retroperitoneal lymphocele is a very rare complication associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: 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.