Lymphatic ascites following pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy procedures for gynecologic malignancies

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology Vol. 125; no. 1; pp. 48 - 53
• Main Authors: Frey, M.K, Ward, N.M, Caputo, T.A, Taylor, J, Worley, M.J, Slomovitz, B.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aorta, Abdominal; Ascites - diagnosis; Ascites - epidemiology; Ascites - etiology; Ascites - therapy; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female - complications; Genital Neoplasms, Female - pathology; Genital Neoplasms, Female - surgery; Gynecologic malignancy; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Incidence; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes - pathology; Lymphadenectomy; Lymphatic ascites; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Paracentesis; Pelvis; Postoperative Complications - diagnosis; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Postoperative Complications - therapy; Retrospective Studies; Gynecologic malignancy; Lymphadenectomy; Lymphatic ascites
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.11.012

Abstract Objective Lymphatic ascites is an unusual complication in patients with cancer. In the gynecologic oncology patient population, the most common etiology is operative lymph node dissection. The purpose of this study was to explore the incidence, presenting symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment modalities utilized for lymphatic ascites in patients undergoing lymph node dissection for gynecologic cancers. Methods This observational study retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy as part of the surgical management for a gynecologic cancer. Patients that developed postoperative lymphatic ascites between January 2000 and December 2010 were included for analysis. Data extracted from the medical records included tumor pathology, number of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative course, method of diagnosis and treatment. Results From a total of 300 surgical staging procedures, 12 patients with lymphatic ascites were identified (4%). The most common reported symptom was leakage of clear fluid per vagina (7, 58%), followed by abdominal distension (4, 33%). The median interval from surgery to development of symptoms was 12.5 days (range 0–22 days). 5 patients had complete resolution of symptoms with dietary modifications alone while 7 patients required paracentesis. The median time from surgery to resolution of symptoms was 44 days (range 9–99). Conclusion Lymphatic ascites is an under recognized and infrequently reported postoperative complication. Although it usually resolves spontaneously or with conservative management without sequelae, this condition can significantly prolong postoperative recovery and cause patient discomfort. To our knowledge this is the largest group of patients undergoing gynecologic surgical staging procedures to be reviewed for the occurrence of lymphatic ascites.