Abstract

The formation of a Iymphocele in small pelvis following renal transplantation is a well-known complication. Although various non-operative methods are available laparotomy with transperitoneal internal drainagehasbeenthe gold standardfor the treatment of Iymphoceles.In 1991, internal drainage of a renal transplant Iymphocele was performed for the first time laparoscopically.Nine patients with symptomatic Iymphoceles were treated using laparoscopic technique. between July 1995and November 1999in the SurgicalDepartment of the District Hospital in Szczecin.In 8 patients, the laparoscopic approach was successful and no further therapy was required. In one case, the videoscopic procedure had to be converted to open surgery. Operative time ranged from 15to 60 minutes.The postoperative course was uneventful in all nine cases. Laparoscopic method of treatment of a renal transplant Iymphocele combines the efficiency of internal surgical drainage,.with the minimal invasiveness of non-operative techniques. It reduces postoperative pain,shortens length of hospitalisation and convalescence and has a similar recurrence rate to open surgery.

Keywords: Iymphocele, renal transplantation, Laparoscopy