Ultrasonic evaluation of lymphocele formation after staging lymphadenectomy for prostatic carcinoma.

A total of eight lymphoceles developed in six of 22 (27%) prospectively studied patients undergoing pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostatic carcinoma. Ultrasonic characteristics in these eight and in 14 retrospectively studied lymphoceles were evaluated. A location lateral to the urinary bladder was characteristic. The anterior surface of the fluid collections was usually within 3 cm of the anterior abdominal wall. No new lymphoceles developed after the first postoperative month; only one developed after the first 10 postoperative days. Small (cross-sectional area less than 30 cm2), echofree lymphoceles were most likely to result in long-term spontaneous resolution. Large (cross-sectional area greater than 30 cm2) or complex lymphoceles often resulted in complications ultimately requiring surgical intervention.