Lymphocele

PurposeLymphatic complications occur frequently after radical inguinal lymph node dissection (RILND). The incidence of lymphatic leakage varies considerably among different studies due to the lack of a consistent definition. The aim of the present study is to propose a standardized definition and grading of different types of lymphatic leakage after groin dissection.MethodsA bicentric retrospective analysis of 82 patients who had undergone RILND was conducted. A classification of postoperative lymphatic leakage was developed on the basis of the daily drainage output, any necessary postoperative interventions and reoperations, and any delay in adjuvant treatment.ResultsIn the majority of cases, RILND was performed in patients with inguinal metastases of malignant melanoma (n = 71). Reinterventions were necessary in 15% of the patients and reoperations in 32%. A new classification of postoperative lymphatic leakage was developed. According to this definition, grade A lymphatic leakage (continued secretion of lymphatic fluid from the surgical drains without further complications) occurred in 13% of the patients, grade B lymphatic leakage (persistent drainage for more than 10 postoperative days or the occurrence of a seroma after the initial removal of the drain that requires an intervention) in 28%, and grade C lymphatic leakage (causing a reoperation or a subsequent conflict with medical measures) in 33%. The drainage volume on the second postoperative day was a suitable predictor for a complicated lymphatic leakage (grades B and C) with a cutoff of 110 ml.ConclusionThe proposed definition is clinically relevant, is easy to employ, and may serve as the definition of a standardized endpoint for the assessment of lymphatic morbidity after RILND in future studies.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this network meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of limited, standard, extended, and super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) following radical prostatectomy.MethodsThis study followed the PRISMA 2020 statement. Clinical trials were searched from three electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase from the database's inception to April 5, 2022. The lymph node-positive rate, biochemical recurrence-free rate, lymphocele rate, thromboembolic rate, and overall complication rate were compared by meta-analysis. Data analyses were performed using R software based on the Bayesian framework.ResultsSixteen studies involving 15,269 patients were included. All 16 studies compared the lymph node-positive rate; 5 studies compared the biochemical recurrence-free rate; 10 studies compared the lymphocele rate; 6 studies compared the thromboembolic rate, and 9 studies compared the overall complication rate. According to Bayesian analysis, the lymph node-positive rate, lymphocele rate, and overall complication rate were significantly associated with the extension of the PLND range. The limited, extended, and super-extended PLND templates showed a similar but lower biochemical recurrence-free rate and a higher thromboembolic rate than the standard template.ConclusionsThe extension of the PLND range is associated with an elevated lymph node-positive rate; however, it does not improve the biochemical recurrence-free rate and correlates with an increased risk of complications, especially lymphocele. The selection of the PLND range in clinical practice should consider the oncological risk and adverse effects.Trial registrationPROSPERO (CRD42022301759).

Seroma or lymphocele remains the most common complication after mastectomy and lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. Many different techniques are available to prevent this complication: wound drainage, reduction of the dead space by flap fixation, use of various types of energy, external compression dressings, shoulder immobilization or physical activity, as well as numerous drugs and glues. We searched MEDLINE, clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for publications addressing the issue of prevention of lymphocele or seroma after mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy. Quality was assessed using Hawker's quality assessment tool. Incidence of seroma or lymphocele were collected. Fifteen randomized controlled trials including a total of 1766 patients undergoing radical mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer were retrieved. The incidence of lymphocele or seroma in the study population was 24.2% (411/1698): 25.2% (232/920) in the test groups and 23.0% (179/778) in the control groups. Neither modification of surgical technique (RR 0.86; 95% CI [0.72, 1.03]) nor application of a medical treatment (RR 0.96; 95% CI [0.72, 1.29]) was effective in preventing lymphocele. On the contrary, decreasing the drainage time increased the risk of lymphocele (RR 1.88; 95% CI [1.43, 2.48). There was no publication bias but the studies were of medium to low quality. To conclude, despite the heterogeneity of study designs, drainage appears to be the most effective technique, although the overall quality of the data is low.

PURPOSE: Lymphoceles (LCs) are one of the most common complications after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Peritoneal flaps (PF) have shown to possibly decrease the incidence of LCs. This individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) investigates the efficacy of PF on rates of symptomatic lymphoceles (sLCs) requiring intervention, sLCs, overall lymphoceles and perioperative complications. METHODS: We conducted a prespecified systematic review and IPD-MA (PROSPERO CRD42024519284). A database search via Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Central, ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform was performed up to December 2023. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PF vs. no PF during RARP with PLND were included and five RCTs provided IPD. MA was conducted using a random-effects model (two-stage model). RESULTS: PF significantly reduced sLCs requiring intervention as well as the rates of sLCs and overall lymphoceles. Additionally, PF significantly reduced overall complications, most likely driven by fewer lymphoceles and associated interventions. Furthermore, BMI and the presence of lymphoceles at discharge were identified as risk factors for sLCs. Subgroup analyses suggested that the protective effect of PF diminishes with increasing BMI, indicating limited benefit in patients with severe obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of PF after RARP significantly reduces sLCs without affecting the complication rate or meaningfully prolonging operative time. LCs at the time of discharge represent significant risk factors for occurrence of sLCs, indicating a possibility for closer observation for this subgroup. With the evidence provided by this IPD-MA, creation of PF should be the new standard of care to reduce LC-related morbidity.