A Case Series of Retroperitoneal Lymphocele Following Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Abstract

Background: Lymphocele is a rare complication following anterior lumbar interbody fusion with very few reported cases in the literature. We report 3 cases of lymphocele following anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Case description: In the first 2 cases, the patients presented with retroperitoneal lymphocele, and both were managed with sclerotherapy with ethanol. In the third case, the patient also presented with a retroperitoneal lymphocele and was managed instead with percutaneous drain placement. All 3 patients had subsequent resolution of the lymphoceles and their associated symptoms.

Conclusions: This case report reviews the diagnostic algorithm and management of lymphocele following anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Keywords: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion; Lumbar; Lymphocele; Spine surgery.