Reversed Approach through Lymphocele/ Lymphatic Fluid Collection for Glue Embolization of Injured Lymphatic Vessels

Abstract

A total of 9 glue embolization procedures of injured lymphatic vessels with a reversed approach from the lymphocele/lymphatic fluid collection in 8 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The approach routes were via the indwelling chest tube for pleural effusion (n ¼ 2), the drainage catheter tract for abdominopelvic lymphocele/lymphatic fluid collection/thigh lymphocele (n ¼ 4), and the direct puncture of the lymphatic fluid collection at the operation bed (n ¼ 2). All the procedures were technically successful without complications. The mean daily leakage rate decreased from 465 mL/d before the procedure to 42 mL/d after the procedure, and the drainage catheters could be removed after 8 procedures, achieving a clinical success rate of 88.9% (8 of 9 procedures).