Contained Colonic Perforation Following Sclerotherapy and Laparoscopic Fenestration for a Post-Transplant Lymphocele: A Case Report and Review.

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic lymphoceles are a frequent complication following kidney transplantation and are commonly managed with percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy using agents such as povidone-iodine or ethanol. Refractory cases often require laparoscopic peritoneal fenestration. Although these interventions are generally effective, their cytotoxic properties and cumulative effects may predispose to rare but severe delayed complications.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old man underwent living-donor kidney transplantation, followed by postoperative wound dehiscence requiring mesh repair and the subsequent development of a symptomatic peri-graft lymphocele. Management progressed from percutaneous drainage with povidone-iodine sclerotherapy to ethanol sclerotherapy and, ultimately, laparoscopic peritoneal fenestration on postoperative day 46. The patient was readmitted 4 days after discharge with sepsis. Imaging demonstrated a retroperitoneal collection communicating with the ascending colon. Surgical exploration confirmed a contained colonic perforation, necessitating right hemicolectomy with end ileostomy to preserve allograft function.

CONCLUSION

This case describes a rare, life-threatening delayed colonic perforation following sequential lymphocele interventions. Histopathological findings were most consistent with delayed chemical ischemic necrosis, strongly implicating ethanol diffusion as a major contributing factor, likely exacerbated by altered anatomy from prior surgery and repeated interventions. The delayed presentation underscores the cumulative risk associated with sequential minimally invasive therapies. It highlights the need for meticulous technique, individualized risk assessment, prolonged post-procedural surveillance, and early surgical readiness in high-risk transplant recipients.