Intranodal Lymphangiography during Surgical Repair of Pelvic Lymphorrhea after Radical Cystectomy

Lymphorrhea can develop after various types of surgeries. Surgical closure of the lymphatic leakage point is an effective treatment option. However, it is difficult to identify the leakage point sometimes. Here, we report a case of pelvic lymphorrhea after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Identification of the leakage point was difficult during laparoscopic surgical repair of lymphorrhea. Intranodal lymphangiography was performed via the inguinal lymph node by injection of lipiodol, followed by injection of indigo carmine. Laparoscopy revealed extravasation of lipiodol and indigo carmine from the pelvic wall. The leakage point was successfully cauterized using an electric scalpel. Lymphorrhea improved after the surgical repair. This case suggests that intranodal lymphangiography may be useful for detecting the site of lymphatic leakage during the surgical repair of lymphorrhea.

Chylothorax after esophagectomy treated with inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization

Chylothorax after esophagectomy is a serious complication that is associated with major morbidity due to dehydration and malnutrition. Reoperation with ligation of the thoracic duct is considered for patients with high-output chyle leaks that have failed conservative management. In this report, we present the treatment options for chylothorax after esophagectomy: inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization. A 74-year-old man with esophageal cancer had been operated with thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Six days after surgery, he presented with high-output chyle leaks. Conservative treatment did not result in a significant improvement. Inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization were performed 13 days after surgery and were technically and clinically successful. Inguinal intranodal lymphangiography and transvenous retrograde thoracic duct embolization are an effective treatment option, especially for patients after esophagectomy with reconstruction performed via the posterior mediastinal route, without the potential for damage the gastric tube and omentum.

Lymphangiography and Lymphatic Interventions

Compared with the traditional pedal lymphangiography, intranodal lymphangiography and MR lymphangiography have made imaging of the lymphatic system less challenging. Improvements in imaging and availability of newer catheters have allowed embolization of lymphatic system much more feasible that previously envisioned. In this article, we briefly review the anatomy, imaging, and current and future of lymphatic interventions.

Application of ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation in cancer patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage

Background Traumatic lymphatic leakage is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. The purpose of this study was to introduce ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation techniques for postoperative lymphatic leakage in patients with cancer. Methods From January 2018 through June 2020, seven cancer patients (three males, four females, aged 59–75 years [mean 67.57 ± 6.11 years]) developed lymphatic leakage after abdominal or pelvic surgery, with drainage volumes ranging from 550 to 1200 mL per day. The procedure and follow-up of ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation were recorded. This study retrospectively analysed the technical success rate, operative time, length of hospital stay, clinical efficacy, and complications. Results The operation was technically successful in all patients. Angiography revealed leakage, and embolisation was performed in all seven patients (7/7, 100%). The operative time of angiography and embolisation was 41 to 68 min, with an average time of 53.29 ± 10.27 min. The mean length of stay was 3.51 ± 1.13 days. Lymph node embolisation was clinically successful in five patients (5/7, 71.43%), who had a significant reduction in or disappearance of chylous ascites. The other two patients received surgical treatment 2 weeks later due to poor results after embolisation. All patients were followed for 2 weeks. No serious complications or only minor complications were found in all the patients. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation were well tolerated by the patients, who experienced a low incidence of complications. Early intervention is recommended for cancer patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage.

Application of Ultrasound-guided Intranodal Lymphangiography and Embolization in Cancer Patients with Postoperative Lymphatic Leakage

Background: Traumatic lymphatic leakage is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. The purpose of this study was to introduce ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation techniques for postoperative lymphatic leakage in patients with cancer.Methods: From January 2018 through June 2020, seven cancer patients (three males, four females, aged 59-75 years [mean 67.57 ± 6.11 years]) developed lymphatic leakage after abdominal or pelvic surgery, with drainage volumes ranging from 550 to 1200 mL per day. The procedure and follow-up of ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation were recorded. This study retrospectively analysed the technical success rate, operative time, length of hospital stay, clinical efficacy, and complications.Results: The operation was technically successful in all patients. Angiography revealed leakage and embolisation was performed in all seven patients (7/7, 100%). The operative time of angiography and embolisation was 41 to 68 minutes, with an average time of 53.29 ± 10.27 minutes. The mean length of stay was 3.51±1.13 days. Lymph node embolisation was clinically successful in five patients (5/7, 71.43%), who had a significant reduction in or disappearance of chylous ascites. The other two patients received surgical treatment two weeks later due to poor results after embolisation. All patients were followed for two weeks. No serious complications or only minor complications were found in all the patients.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation were well tolerated by the patients, who experienced a low incidence of complications. Early intervention is recommended for cancer patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage.