Peritoneal venous shunting for the treatment of lymphatic ascites following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

We report a case of refractory lymphatic ascites following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and venacavectomy. Placement of a Denver peritoneal venous shunt resulted in resolution of the ascites and marked improvement in the patient's nutritional parameters. Shunt occlusion 2 months following placement demonstrated no recurrence of the ascites. This technique may prove useful in the management of lymphatic ascites associated with radical retroperitoneal surgery.