Lymphatic drainage from the groin following surgery of the femoral artery.

Lymphatic drainage from the surgical wound is uncommon after most surgical procedures. Little data regarding this problem is encountered in the American literature. The incidence of this complication is not established. Data are not available regarding speculative risk factors, including diabetes reoperative dissection, infection, and use of prosthetic materials. The likelihood secondary infection is not established. A review of 428 wounds following dissection of the femoral artery was undertaken, with analysis of resulting wound drainage. Lymphatic drainage occurred in 5% of groin wounds. Diabetes, infection of the operated leg or foot and use of prosthetic graft were associated with statistically insignificant increases in risk. Reoperation was associated with a statistically insignificant decrease in risk. Most drainage stopped spontaneously. In 40% of patients with drainage, protracted lymphorrhea contributing to morbidity and hospital stay resulted. This outcome was unlikely in the absence of prosthetic graft. Such patients may benefit from surgical exploration of the wound and ligation of lymphatic tissue. Graft infection was not observed. While infection was an infrequent secondary complication, bacteriologic monitoring and antibiotic therapy are essential in cases of prolonged drainage.