Chyluria after partial nephrectomy: a rare but considerable complication.

An 82-year-old male patient underwent open left lower-pole partial nephrectomy with a microwave tissue coagulator (Microtaze). Pathological findings showed clear cell renal cell carcinoma, pT1a, Fuhrman grade 2 with negative margins. Then 2 years later, he presented with urinary retention. His urine appeared cloudy and milky only after meals, but appeared normal at other times. He was diagnosed with chyluria after partial nephrectomy. Endoscopic sclerotherapy with silver nitrate was carried out, because his serum albumin decreased to 3.4 g/dL within 3 months. He had an uneventful postoperative course. His chyluria completely disappeared and has not recurred for 11 months. Although chyluria after nephrectomy is very rare, there is a possibility that the frequency of chyluria after partial nephrectomy might increase, because the number of partial nephrectomies continues to increase worldwide. We herein summarize this rare surgical complication and discuss the effectiveness of endoscopic sclerotherapy as a therapeutic tool.