Lymphocele Outcomes After Renal Transplantations Performed by an Experienced Surgeon: Is Meticulously Performed Surgery and Experience Adequate to Prevent Lymphocele?

BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to analyze the rate of lymphoceles in kidney transplant operations meticulously performed by the same senior surgeon. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present study included 315 patients who were operated on in our organ transplantation center and followed up in the polyclinic after July 2013. The patients were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: patients with and without lymphocele. Symptomatic lymphocele (SL) has been defined as symptomatic fluid collection around the graft that necessitates an intervention for the graft or patient. RESULTS Lymphocele was observed in 82 (26%) patients. An intervention was needed in 16 (5.1%) of these cases. Demographic data such as age and sex of both groups were similar. Lymphocele cases were mostly asymptomatic, with a size <6 cm (75.6%). However, intervention was needed in 16 (75%) of the patients with a size ≥6 cm that were symptomatic. The length of time on dialysis in the pretansplant period was shorter in the group that developed lymphocele, and a lower rate of graft loss was observed in these patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of rejection rates, serum albumin/globulin levels, and development of de novo DSA. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors reported in the literature related with lymphocele formation were not found to be statistically significant in our study. Complications, except lymphocele, were observed less frequently, but lymphocele formation was encountered in our patients despite meticulous surgery.