Povidone iodine instillation into the renal pelvis in the management of chyluria: our experience.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with the use of povidone iodine instillation into the renal pelvis for the treatment of chyluria.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

From August 2006 to November 2008, 26 patients with chyluria were treated. There were 18 males and 8 females ranging from 24-55 years of age. Cystoscopic localization of chylous efflux was done. Povidone iodine as a sclerosing agent was instilled through a ureteric catheter placed in the renal pelvis. A total of 9 doses were given at 8-hour intervals for 3 days. Unilateral instillation was done in 20 cases, and bilateral instillation was done in 6 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of 26 patients showed complete clearance. In 4 patients, recurrence was noted and a repeat injection was given after 4 weeks, with success, in 2 patients. The other two patients required chylolymphatic disconnection. One patient was lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our experience shows that povidone iodine is a safe and effective sclerosing agent in the management of chyluria.