Experience with lymphoceles after renal transplantation.

Of 215 patients who underwent renal transplantations at the Mayo Clinic, six (2.8 percent) developed perirenal lymphoceles. Diagnosis was made between 5 weeks and 14 months after operation. In all six patients, renal function decreased and eventually a lower quadrant abdominal mass developed. Ipsilateral leg edema, fluid retention, and development of diastolic hypertension should also increase suspicion as to the possibility of lymph collection in the perirenal space. Excretory urography with tomography delineated the lymphocele in each instance; B scan ultrasound may be an additional valuable diagnostic tool. Drainage procedures readily restored normal renal function and, in one instance, drainage also restored the blood pressure to normal. Percutaneous needle aspiration seems to be a temporary measure only, and marsupialization is the preferred definite procedure.