STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: A retroperitoneal lymphocele is a very rare complication associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: We report the diagnosis and management of 3 retroperitoneal lymphoceles, which occurred after anterior left retroperitoneal approaches for lumbar interbody fusion. METHODS: As the radiologic examinations revealed the lymphoceles in all 3 cases laparoscopic fenestration was performed. RESULTS: The patients had good recovery and no recurrence of the lymphoceles occurred. CONCLUSIONS: If this rare complication occurs the primary intervention should be laparoscopic fenestration because of the high recurrence rate of other treatment modalities.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: A retroperitoneal lymphocele is a very rare complication associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: We report the diagnosis and management of 3 retroperitoneal lymphoceles, which occurred after anterior left retroperitoneal approaches for lumbar interbody fusion. METHODS: As the radiologic examinations revealed the lymphoceles in all 3 cases laparoscopic fenestration was performed. RESULTS: The patients had good recovery and no recurrence of the lymphoceles occurred. CONCLUSIONS: If this rare complication occurs the primary intervention should be laparoscopic fenestration because of the high recurrence rate of other treatment modalities.