Successful treatment of postretroperitoneal lymph node dissection in massive chylous ascites

Eur Urol. 1995;28(2):119-21. doi: 10.1159/000475034.

Abstract

A rare complication of retroperitoneal surgery is damage to lymphatic vessels, leak of chyle and the development of chylous ascites. This complication can be life threatening and has a relatively high mortality rate. We describe a 38-year-old patient with a massive chylous ascites after extensive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection of metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumor. The patient was treated surgically and with fat-free diet, medium chain triglycerides and diuretics resulting in complete resolution of the ascites.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chylous Ascites / etiology
  • Chylous Ascites / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Retroperitoneal Space